What is the best lighting for selfies? Tips to get good selfie lighting
If you love selfies, there’s no need to hide it anymore. It’s 2022 already; selfies have become part of our daily rituals, and some might even claim that they’re an important part of self-care.
Self-portraits have been around since cave paintings over 10,000 years ago. But it wasn’t until 2013 that we had a word for this type of art form — “selfie." With camera phones constantly evolving and apps like Instagram dominating our social lives today one thing is clear: selfies are here to stay, so you might as well learn how to take nude photos right!
Whether you want silly or serious shots; whether they need captions (or not), there are many factors contributing towards snapping a perfect selfie, like selfie lighting, for example. So before you go and take just any old photo of yourself, study up on these selfie lighting tips and extra advice.
Pick the right camera
Not all cameras are created equal, and that includes the ones on your phone. When it comes to taking selfies, you want a camera with a high megapixel count. This means that each pixel in the image will be larger, resulting in a photo with less noise (or graininess). The iPhone 6s Plus has a 12-megapixel camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S7 boasts a 16-megapixel camera. But even if you don't have one of the latest and greatest phones, there are still ways to get great photos.
A tip to keep in mind, is that adequate lighting can compensate for the front camera's lower quality because it will lessen graininess. Additionally, remember to clean your front camera before shooting a selfie because sweat and makeup might get in the way and lessen the sharpness and clarity of your pictures.
Find the perfect lighting for selfies
How to get good lighting for a selfie? The answer is simple and one that you were probably expecting. The best lighting for selfies is natural light. If you're indoors, try to position yourself near a window. And if you're outside, find an area that's not too shady and not too sunny.
Muddy, rainy, and overcast days are great for pictures that have low contrast and muted colors. These days offer a softer light that makes for good lighting for selfies, and it’s especially flattering for portraits. To make the most of it, use a reflector to bounce some light back onto your subject's face. This will help fill in any shadows and make them look more illuminated.
If you're shooting outdoors, the best time of day for flattering light is early morning or late afternoon/early evening, when the sun is not directly overhead. This is because the sunlight will be coming from an angle, rather than straight on, which can create shadows and make someone's features appear more defined.
When you’re taking a selfie, a good selfie lighting is the one from a source of light that's coming from in front of you or to the side. This will help avoid any weird shadows on your face and make you look more illuminated. And if you're using flash, make sure it's not pointed directly at your face — that will just create harsh shadows and wash out your features. Instead, try to bounce the light off a wall or ceiling so it's more diffused.
Work on your angle
After figuring out what’s the best light for selfies, it’s time to figure out another important aspect of taking a great shot: the right angle. You want to be able to show off your best features, but you also don't want to look like you're trying too hard. A good rule of thumb is to act natural — if you wouldn't strike a pose in front of your friends, then don't do it for a selfie.
It's always a good idea to experiment with different angles and perspectives. This can help you find new and unique ways to capture a moment or person. So don't be afraid to get creative. You never know what kind of magic you might create!
Ensure a proper background
Another important element of taking a great selfie is finding the right background. You want something that's not too cluttered, but also not too boring. A good option is to find a wall with some interesting texture or pattern. But if you're feeling really adventurous, you can try taking a selfie in front of a beautiful landscape or cityscape. Just make sure that you're the star of the photo. No one wants to see a picture of your feet in the foreground with the Eiffel Tower in the distance.
Don’t be afraid to use filters
If you're using a photo-editing app like Instagram, then you know that there are a ton of different filters to choose from. And while it can be tempting to go overboard with the filters, sometimes less is more. A good rule of thumb is to pick one filter and stick with it. This way, your photos will have a cohesive look and feel. And if you're ever in doubt, you can always go with the classic black-and-white filter—it never fails.
The wonderful thing about selfies is that you can take your time and be incredibly creative, which is why so many artists and influencers have used this format throughout the years. You don't have to be concerned about paying photographers or models, making mistakes, or upsetting others. You can try everything yourself and see what works.
Go through your closet, browse Instagram for ideas, experiment with your makeup, and have fun. The easiest method to capture yourself in images is to just go ahead and try!