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Tips for taking that perfect selfie
Orton recommends using a selfie stick, as holding the camera with your hand can make you look heavier.
Given that social media has become part of our daily lives, selfies have become part of many holiday goers’ routines.
Unfortunately, if you get the angle wrong, your pics are less likely to make the Insta-worthy cut. This is why Lowvelder consulted with renowned Lowveld photographer, Johan Orton to give us a few handy tips for better selfies.
- Use a selfie stick. As soon as you hold the camera too close to you, you tend to get a fish-eye effect which may add some weight.
- Always take a selfie facing the sun. This way, you will use the available light to your advantage and keep shadows to a minimum.
- The ideal time for selfies is between 5am and 7am, and 5pm and 6pm – known as the golden hour. Natural light during this time provides the best natural, most subtle light.
- Look for three elements to include in your photo. Classify yourself as one element and add two more. Examples of such are windmills, a reflection of a sunrise or sunset – or whatever fits your location. In the Lowveld for instance, you would want a picture with Jock or a waterfall, whereas on
the South Coast, you would want to pose at a waffle house – something unique to the area. - Facial expression is essential: look happy and excited, and show your teeth.
- Use background items to your advantage, like the Tower of Pisa or pretending you’re holding the sun. Remember to do the latter during golden hour.
- Aim your camera upward. Orton is of the opinion that lower angles work best for selfies.
- If you see a celebrity, use it to your advantage – most of them do not mind, and it is the best way to attract your followers’ attention.
- Use your rule of thirds. This basically means dividing your phone’s screen into thirds, and using one third to place yourself in and another two to place your other two elements.
- Finally, Orton suggests using animals in the picture. Animals just tend to make it cute, he said.
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