How to take a good instagram selfie

How to Take the Perfect Selfie for Instagram

If you're like me, you're scrolling through one flawless selfie after another on Instagram and wondering... why don't my selfies look like that? A good selfie is so much more than solid lighting and a clean background — from the best time of day to the most flattering angle, there are various factors to consider for that perfect selfie.

To make sure your selfie gets all the likes (and followers!), we've gathered the most helpful tips to capture all your finest angles. Whether it's as simple as cleaning your room or choosing the right filter, these tips will help you learn to take quality pics of yourself and your friends. Score tons of likes with these easy tricks for snapping amazing selfies every time.

Vary your angles

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In motion 🌥 #GucciTheRitual
A post shared by Yara (يارا‎) Shahidi (@yarashahidi) on Feb 19, 2020 at 7:11am PST

Tilt your head from left to right, and up and down to figure out what your best side is. Let the light hit your cheeks and see what you like.

Natural lighting is 🔑

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swipe to the last pic pls
A post shared by ☆ emma chamberlain ☆ (@emmachamberlain) on Oct 8, 2019 at 9:20pm PDT

Even with zero makeup on, natural lighting with give you that beautiful glow. Avoid fluorescent lighting at all costs, my friends.

Snap a pic with your pet

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A post shared by Ariana Grande (@arianagrande)

While they're considered family, pets also make for the cutest posing partners. All the proof you need is in Ari's adorable selfie.

Avoid harsh lighting

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What was said? 😌
A post shared by BIG BOSS 🔑🔑 (@keke) on May 12, 2020 at 6:31pm PDT

Though natural light is the most important, try to avoid directly facing the sun and casting shadows on your face. You never want the lighting to be too harsh.

Have fun with it

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A post shared by MONTERO (@lilnasx)

Taking selfies doesn't have to be a super stressful experience. Get playful with it and change up your poses.

Know when to use flash

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Make up today by @kyliejenner
A post shared by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on Feb 3, 2020 at 4:55pm PST

Natural lighting is definitely most ideal, but sometimes, you're ~feeling yourself~ when it's dark out or you're indoors. Flash isn't always a total no-no. Try using the front camera flash on Snapchat for a more subtle flash pic.

Opt for a mirror selfie

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A post shared by DUA LIPA (@dualipa)

TBH, sometimes you're just not in the mood for a face-on selfie, but you're totally into your look. Don't forget that mirror selfies can be super cute, too, especially if you go for a pose like Dua's.

Make sure your background isn't distracting

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A post shared by Selena Gomez (@selenagomez)

While Selena Gomez looks *gorgeous* in this car selfie, my eyes couldn't help but wander to the pup in the background. Sometimes, it's hard to control your background — especially in a public setting — so make sure the area's clear before snapping a pic.

When in doubt, smile

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A post shared by Addison Rae (@addisonraee)

If pursing your lips or a smize feels kinda awkward, just go for a real smile. Don't force it — you can never go wrong with a genuine smile!

Use a lower angle

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A post shared by Doja Cat (@dojacat)

You may not expect it at first, but low angle selfies can work wonders to spice up your feed.

Get a boost from a filter

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@abendii gave me the cutest LJ necklace and I wear it on the reg. 😍💌
A post shared by @ lanacondor on Nov 19, 2019 at 2:36pm PST

Don't be afraid of using a filter to spice up your selfie. From cute face filters on Snapchat to pretty VSCO filters, test out your faves for the perfect pic.

Know your angles

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Just posted a new video on my YouTube w my sis @kimkardashian ⚡️ watch me do her makeup & answer some of your questions. 🤍✨
A post shared by Kylie ✨ (@kyliejenner) on Jan 21, 2020 at 2:19pm PST

Every face is different, but generally tucking down your chin and tilting your head slightly is pretty flattering. It makes your face look super angular – just ask Kylie.

When in doubt, head to the bathroom

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A post shared by Megan Thee Stallion (@theestallion)

Why do you think the bathroom is one of the most popular places to snap a pic at the Met Gala? Aside from the ultimate party vibes, the bathroom has some of the best lighting. Plus, you can see how you look in the mirror right before you take your photos.

Take selfies in the morning

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Gíkonos ft #messikabygigihadid @messikajewelry #messikajewelry #Messika #mysoulbygigihadid #ad
A post shared by Gigi Hadid (@gigihadid) on Jul 30, 2019 at 4:52am PDT

In the morning your face is clean, your makeup is fresh, and your hair hasn't yet been destroyed by wind/humidity/gym class, which makes it the optimal time for a photo.

Channel your inner model

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A post shared by Zendaya (@zendaya) on Jul 24, 2019 at 6:13pm PDT

If you want a fire pic, you better leave your shame at the door. Pout your lips, raise your brows, practise your smize – basically just channel your inner Zendaya. I promise the pics will be epic.

Rock a hat

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A post shared by Olivia Rodrigo (@oliviarodrigo)

Whether it's a beanie or a cowboy hat doesn't matter. This accessory will not only give you a fun, new look, but it'll help you discover new angles and poses to make sure it has its *moment.*

Give yourself tons of options

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A post shared by cd (@charlidamelio)

Take a lot of selfies! If you're really into your look, don't stop at just one pic. Give yourself lots of Instagrammable choices and pick the best one.

Angle your camera up

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I got that sunshine on my Sunday best... ☀️
A post shared by Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) on Feb 23, 2020 at 6:39pm PST

Angles matter on your camera, too. Instead of smiling into the camera straight-on, hold your phone a little bit above you. It makes the photo look less intense and the downward angle is SO flattering.

Clean your room

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wingspan
A post shared by Kendall (@kendalljenner) on Jan 28, 2020 at 2:38pm PST

Even if you're not showing off your entire space in a mirror selfie, like Kendall, people are going to see it in the background of your pic. Give it a quick spruce before your selfie shoot and I promise the likes with come through.

Wear sunnies

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So delirious I can’t even pick what photo I want to post so here
A post shared by Madelaine Petsch (@madelame) on Jul 20, 2019 at 3:07pm PDT

If you feel shy in front of a camera or just don't feel like taking 457 photos to get the *perfect* one, throw on your favorite shades beforehand. That way you really only have to pose your lips and let's face it – badass sunglasses make everyone look cool.

Take a pic at sunset

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A post shared by BILLIE EILISH (@billieeilish)

Everyone talks about golden hour selfies, but have you tried taking one at sunset? Not only is the scenery gorgeous, but your face will be, too.

Pick a filter and stick with it

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A post shared by Orion Carloto (@orionvanessa)

If you've found a filter that perfectly fits your vibe, use it on every pic. That's a blogger secret to making your entire feed look cohesive.

Be careful not to over-edit

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Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.
A post shared by Kourtney Kardashian (@kourtneykardash) on Nov 26, 2019 at 7:39pm PST

Though filters can be fun, be careful not to overdo it. There's no shame in a little photoshop work and editing, but avoid editing too much or using too many filters.

Give it some grain

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A post shared by Storm Reid (@stormreid)

If you want your pics to have an authentic, vintage feel (kind of like those from a film camera), add some grain with a photo editing app. Seriously, you're going to tell me Storm doesn't exude ~main character energy~ in this photo right now?

Accentuate the focal point

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A post shared by Bella 🦋 (@bellahadid)

We all know we post pics to our feeds to show something off. Whether it's an outfit, handbag, killer eyeshadow, or a new piercing, make that the focal point of your picture with your pose. If that's not enough, you can even run a "details" tool in a photo editing app to focus on a certain part of your photo.

Yerin Kim Assistant Editor Yerin Kim is the Assistant Editor for Snapchat Discover at Seventeen, covering beauty, sex & health, lifestyle, and entertainment.

Samantha Olson Editorial Assistant Sam is the editorial assistant at Seventeen, covering pop culture, celebrity news, health, and beauty.

How to Take Instagram Worthy Selfies: Do's & Don'ts

7 Minute Read

Unbeknownst to some, there is an art form involved in taking the perfect selfie for Instagram. Whether you’re an up-and-coming influencer or like doing stuff for the ‘gram, aim high with your selfie game.

We’re here to help you keep your snaps on-point and Instagram-ready with our list of handy tips covering selfie do's and don’ts.

Ready to get snap happy?

Dos

Let Your Natural Beauty Show

We’ve all seem them, selfies by otherwise beautiful women who have caked on so much make-up that it’s hard to see what’s underneath it all.

Don’t be that girl. Instead, let your natural beauty shine through. Keep your makeup natural and minimal. This is particularly important for beach shots. After all, no one really wears a full face of makeup to splash about in the waves – we hope!

Light Up Your Life with The Perfect Lighting

You are beautiful and radiant, and your photos should be too. Choose to take your selfies in naturally well-lit areas. But do pay attention to shadows, heavy dark and light areas might make you look older or drawn.

To really take your selfies up a level, harness the power professional photographers have by using a ring light. Our Firefly ring light fits over your mobile phone and gives you the kind of professional-looking results your followers will be jealous of.

Check out what the Daily Mail had to say about the power of our ring lights.

Pick Your Angles

You know your face and body better than anyone. If you’ve got a definite good side, do play to your strengths.

Remember to angle the camera carefully; you don’t want to give yourself a double chin when you don’t actually have one.

Mix Things Up When It Comes to Your Backgrounds

Choose interesting colours, textures, and patterns for your next selfie. Take a look around you; inspiration can be anywhere. See that wall of funky graffiti? Perfect for an exciting and edgy shot. Those palm fronds by the beach? Ideal for a nature-inspired selfie.

And a few don’ts...

Set yourself apart from the pack on Instagram by avoiding these serious selfie crimes.

The Duck Face

Kissy face, pouty face, duck face, or whatever you prefer to call it, this pose is out. This look had its very brief heyday in the early noughties, and we’ve evolved since then.

Trying too hard to be sexy is never sexy. Try smiling instead, or keep your lips natural.

Overexpose Yourself

We’re not referring to light levels here, although overexposed selfies are also a no-go zone. What we mean is try not to show off every single inch of skin you have in every selfie.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with the occasional bikini-clad shot. And we encourage you to celebrate your body, we know you’ve got it, so by all means, work it.

But, there’s a fine line between sexy and attention-grabbing validation tactics. Hit the right balance by posting some selfies of yourself clothed, and some with a bit of skin showing every now and again.

Repetitive Shots

There’s no real need to post 15 versions of the same selfie within the space of 10 minutes. At best you’ll bore your followers, at worst you’ll lose them.
Instead, keep each selfie you post unique and exciting. Your followers will love you for it.

Bathroom Mirror Selfies

It’s rare that a mirror is perfectly clean and makes for the ideal selfie backdrop. And it’s rarer still that a mirror selfie looks good.

These snaps have also become a bit of a cliché. Yes, we know Kim K did it, a few times. But you can do better. Head outside instead and find something prettier than a splattered mirror to work with!

Want to upgrade your selfie game? Check out our latest range of selfie phone ring lights here and professional ring lights here.

10 secrets of the perfect selfie for Instagram

No matter how you treat selfies - as narcissism or an image creation tool - it is absolutely impossible to imagine the modern world without such photos. But if you have not yet succeeded in comprehending this "mastery" and you still think that the front camera "does not love" you, we urgently rush to help you. We share the main life hacks that will make your portrait shots better and more interesting. We also talk about a real find for selfies - the stylish and multifunctional Honor 10 Lite. nine0003

The right light

Darkness is the enemy of the selfie. It is best to take photos during the day. If you need to take a picture at night, turn on the flashlight or ask a friend for a phone. Professional makeup artists and photographers prefer ring lighting, while creative amateurs use white cloth, paper or a mirror as a reflector.

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Instagram/emrata

Worn camera

Yes, no matter how trite it may sound, but it is because of the dirty camera that many high-quality pictures fly into Tartar. After all, during the day we use a smartphone so often that whether you want it or not, traces of cosmetics and dust remain on it. Make it a rule to clean your camera before every photo session and you will forget about unnecessary blur.

Instagram/rosiehw

Thoughtful image

Few people are interested in watching the flashing faces in their feed. It will be much more effective if you do a good make-up or hairstyle, put on beautiful jewelry, take a picture against an unusual background, or pick up some interesting detail (a cup or a book, for example). Then there are more chances that the subscriber will want to keep your photo. In addition, selfies are not only about the face. Experiment with angles and poses. nine0003

Instagram/beyonce

A good angle

Each of us has a “work side”. And if you take a closer look at popular Instagram accounts, you will notice: bloggers are photographed mainly from one angle. You can find out your “strong side” only through trials. Feel free to take lots of pictures. You don't have to post everything on social media. But to look closely and draw conclusions is very useful.

Instagram/bellahadid

Catch the highlights

Remember: if the light falls from above, unnecessary circles appear under the eyes. To avoid this, look towards the source. So glare will appear in the pupils, they will make the photo more alive. In this case, it is better to hold the phone on the most outstretched hand and not block the light with it.

Instagram/gigihadid

Don't go overboard with your hair

Many girls turn selfies into advertisements for their own hairstyle. But not always exposed hair is the most successful of the options. It is important here not to cover the neck, because without a smooth transition "head - torso" the silhouette seems very strange. It is best to throw the hair to one side and focus on the collarbones. nine0003

Instagram/gisele

Correct posture

Bloggers recommend taking pictures standing up and preferably in heels. So the back will be straight and the shoulders even. This will not only add confidence to you, but also make you visually already in the photo. Well, to get rid of the double chin in the frame, stick your head a little forward, keep your face in the center and give preference to vertical photos.

Instagram/freimutolia

Be inspired by successful selfies

It's not a sin to peep at interesting angles and unusual performances. Even the most daring at first glance ideas can always be adapted to your profile.

Instagram/kendalljenner

No "duck sponges"

Even if you have problem skin or other minor imperfections on your face, this is not a reason to forever refuse selfies. You can always fix the situation with Photoshop and filters. But do not wash the skin to a puppet state. It looks unnatural and even strange. Do not increase your eyes and lips without unnecessary need. And finally give up the "duck sponges" and "fish gape" - let's leave these selfie trends in 2015. nine0003

Instagram/mashaefrosinina

Quality device

The last item on our list, but perhaps the most important one. If you're serious about becoming a selfie guru, you can't do without a good smartphone. We advise you to pay attention to the novelty in the world of technology - the Honor 10 Lite phone.

It has two modules as the main camera: one for 13 MP, the other for 2. The front camera is represented by a 24-megapixel sensor with f/1.8 aperture. Built-in AI recognizes up to 8 selfie shooting scenarios and optimizes images so you're always in focus. Thanks to 4-in-1 light fusion3 technology and exposure compensation, you get high-quality pictures even at night. nine0003

Instagram/elle_ukraine

The new AI algorithm also allows you to adjust the shooting effect to your tastes, taking into account factors such as age, gender, skin tone. You can effortlessly even out your complexion, hide minor imperfections, enlarge your eyes, whiten your teeth, remove bags under your eyes and set contrasting lighting effects. And the "butterfly" mode will help to get an image with a stereoscopic effect. The camera app has several shooting modes: portrait, blur, panoramas, augmented reality. You can also open HiVision from the camera, which understands QR and bar codes, recognizes and translates text in real time, scans objects and sights similar to Google Lens. nine0003

Instagram/elle_ukraine

Honor 10 Lite is capable of recording videos in maximum Full HD resolution at 30 or 60 frames per second, in H.264 or H.265 formats. The quality will pleasantly surprise you.

In addition to excellent cameras, the device has many other strengths that are worth paying attention to. One of the advantages is the powerful eight-core processor Kirin 710 reduces power consumption and provides a more comfortable use of the smartphone. 3 GB of RAM (+32 GB of internal memory) are responsible for the speed of work. Thanks to the new software - 9versions of Android - the phone works 20% more efficiently. With moderate use, it lasts for two days of active use. The system does not slow down, and all applications run at lightning speed.

The Honor 10 Lite also stands out from the competition with its excellent waterdrop design. The screen occupies more than 90% of the front surface of the smartphone. Despite the dimensions - 6.2 inch display and 5.2 case - it is quite comfortable to operate the device. The plastic case does not make the phone less noble. Beautiful overflows on the back and the black front panel look very dignified. nine0003

In Ukraine, the smartphone went on sale on December 22 and is now available in Allo and COMFY retail chains at a recommended price of UAH 6,099. In the next two weeks, it is also expected to be delivered to the Territoriya Tvoey Tekhnika retail chain. Everyone who has tested the device (including us) boldly asserts that it outperformed all competitors in its price segment both in terms of external and internal indicators. For little money, you get an attractive design, a comfortable body, a large display, NFC, and even a transparent case. Honor 10 Lite will be a great New Year's gift - until January 7 it will be available at a promotional price of 5999 UAH A great option for those who want to comprehend all the subtleties of a selfie and feel like an icon of style.

Tags: Instagram, selfie

🤳 How beautiful to get a selfie on Instagram? 10 secrets of the perfect selfie at home

Content of article

Every girl can take a beautiful selfie for Instagram, which will collect hundreds of likes. And let it seem that the secrets of a beautiful selfie are known only to bloggers. I will prove to you that it is not.

In this article I will tell you what you need for a selfie and how to pose for a phone. And what should be avoided to make a really good photo. Only working and useful advice - everything is like in Alexander Slyadnev's photography school. nine0003

Wipe the phone's camera

Tip in the style of Captain Obvious? Believe the old sea wolf (experienced photographer) - a good half of bad selfies turn out to be unsuccessful precisely because of a dirty smartphone camera. Remember where your phone goes during the day. A women's bag is generally a portal to another dimension. There, the camera of the phone is in contact with things that the owner does not even know about. So make it a rule for yourself: before taking a picture, wipe your phone camera with a special microfiber cloth or just a dry paper handkerchief. nine0003

Find a place with good lighting

Good light is a must for any good photo. For example, famous Instagrammers like to take selfies in the bedroom in the morning light. Light walls and white linens help create beautiful lighting even on a cloudy day. So stand facing a window and you'll get the best lighting you can get at home without equipment.

Don't take selfies in the bathroom with bright yellow or sickly white artificial light. Artificial lighting often gives the face an unhealthy tint, we don’t need it, right? If you want to always have a beautiful light at hand, buy a selfie ring lamp. It does not take up much space, is mounted on a smartphone and is inexpensive. You could see similar lamps at beauty-masters, in hairdressing salons. Just do not set the brightness of such a lamp to the maximum. Harmony is what matters for the perfect selfie. nine0003

Find your angle

You've probably heard from actors or TV presenters that there is a "work profile" or "work side". This is a good angle from which the face looks as attractive as possible. Find your good angle and you will forever forget about bad selfies.

You don't know which angle is best for you? Stand in front of a mirror, smile at yourself and make sure you are beautiful. And give yourself an hour of narcissism - take selfies until you have several hundred photos. I promise, among all the selfies, you will find an angle that you like. It remains only to remember this magical angle. nine0003

And don't be shy about the fact that most of the photos on your Instagram will be from one angle. Look at bloggers' social media accounts. Most just know their good angles. Therefore, most of the photos were taken from one angle. Makeup, hairstyle, clothes and furnishings are changing. A good angle is unchanged.

Make bright makeup

Just don't take this advice literally, please. If you don’t wear bright scarlet lipstick in everyday life and have never tried smoky eyes, then ... try it! Do you want to take a beautiful selfie? The front camera of a modern smartphone often “eats” bright colors. nine0003

Add accessories

You can take hundreds of interesting selfies just at home. And even within one day. Accessories will help. Carry everything: hats, berets, a fan, glasses (you can even take grandmother's), jewelry, scarves and scarves. Deliver a beautiful cup, glass. Fill with coffee or wine. Improvise, experiment! Have fun shooting. Your sincere emotions will help to get great memories and photos.

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Hair hack: how to make your hair voluminous

Many times I have seen girls worry about styling during a photo shoot. They tease the curls, trying to make the hairstyle more voluminous. For you, a simple life hack that all bloggers use: just flip your hair to one side. This trick works even if there is no comb at hand and the hair is no longer as fresh as at the beginning of the photo shoot. So flip your hair to one side and turn to the camera with your good angle - the photo will turn out great. nine0003

Choose the right clothes

If you need to take a beautiful selfie, it is better to leave a leopard print dress or a jacket in all shades of the rainbow in the closet. Simple, eye-pleasing colors are what you need. Of course, choose clothes that you feel comfortable in.

Don't forget to straighten up and relax

How to make a beautiful selfie? Straighten your neck, relax your shoulders. This will help you look relaxed in the photo, the picture will turn out more natural. Be sure to try to take the photo so that the neck also gets into the frame and you look short. If the neck is retracted or tightly closed by a collar, it will ruin even the best angle. nine0003

Use the Instagram camera

Instagram's built-in filters often spoil photos. But the Instagram camera can be very useful for selfies - it does not mirror pictures. Have you noticed that when you take a selfie, you like your angle, but after the picture is taken, you no longer like it? This is because the standard smartphone front camera mirrors pictures. The Instagram camera does not.

Don't get too carried away with photo editing

Nothing ruins a photo like excessive retouching. Waxy skin, distorted facial features, unnatural colors - not the result you want, right? Retouching should be neat, imperceptible. Do not process selfies in +100 applications. A little processing in one application is enough to make the photo look great. nine0003

1. If you liked the article, rate it below.

2. Have questions? Write them in the comments below, I will be happy to answer them!

3. I suggest you familiarize yourself with my photography school, where I have a lot of theoretical and practical lessons for beginners and professional photographers. Every month I hold online workshops, where you will see live: how the shooting takes place, what settings the camera has, how cool photos are created. And I answer all questions!

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Alexander Slyadnev

Professional food photographer. Included in the top ten most interesting photographers on the planet according to the authoritative photo community 500px.