The Sitter or the Subject

Show off something new. If you decide to take a selfie to show off a new haircut or a new pair of earrings, make sure that you frame the photo in a way that highlights the new feature that has you so excited. A selfie showing off your new hairstyle should show your hair from the most flattering angle. On a similar note, a selfie showing off a beard should show the beard straight on, and the same goes for a selfie showing off a new pair of glasses.

Try a natural look. You can take a picture of yourself as the outside world always sees you, but taking a snapshot of yourself with bedhead or minimal makeup can give the illusion that you’re giving your social media followers a glimpse at the “real you,” which can be both interesting and sexy. If you’re just out of bed look is more of a nightmare than a dream, however, you can straighten up a little. Even light makeup can give the impression that you are showing your “natural” face, especially if you tend to wear much more makeup than what you put on for your selfie.

Natural-Selfie

Smile. Maybe smiling for the camera makes you feel a little silly, but taking a random photo of yourself with your phone is a silly enough action in itself. Trying to look “cool” in a selfie usually backfires, anyway, so don’t be shy and show off those teeth.  You can play around with different smiles, of course. A closed mouth coy smile can be just as appropriate and just as flattering as a wide, laughing grin. Nonetheless, a smile is one of the most appreciated and charming expressions you can wear, so you are better off sticking with a smile than another expression.

Outdoor-Selfie

Avoid the usual mistakes. The “usual mistakes” involve actions and poses mistakenly done in an attempt to seem cool or seductive. Notable choices include the infamous “duck face,” as well as unnecessarily flexing your muscles, pretending to sleep, or pretending to be caught off guard by someone else.
Taking a selfie and pretending that someone else took it almost always goes wrong. There will be some clue in your posture or actions that will give you away and open you up to criticism. As such, when taking a selfie, stick with honest poses that show that you are taking a selfie instead of trying to make the situation seem otherwise.

Frame the photo well. When taking a selfie of your face, let your face and hair fill up as much of the screen as possible without seeming overwhelming. Angle your face slightly to show off your “good side,” whichever side that might be. The slight angle is generally more interesting aesthetically than a straight on photo. Also, remember to take full body shots in a clutter-free space. The photo should focus completely on your figure, not on random objects in the background.

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