How To Take a Flattering Selfie

Try to use soft light.  This type of light will be the most flattering light to use when taking a portrait, it will reduce harsh shadows as well as texture on the skin (blemishes and wrinkles)

SOFT LIGHT: Standing in open shade at 1030am. If you compare the two pictures, you can see how much more light and “twinkle” is in my eyes. There is nice, soft, even light on my face. The color of my skin is also more pleasing than the image to the right.

HARD LIGHT: Standing in full direct sun at 1030am. You can see the harsh shadows under my eyes nose and neck. In addition, I am squinting. The color of my skin also has a harsh color cast.

Where to Find Soft Light:

This is the shade side of house. The images in this blog post were taken from the front porch/walkway standing in the shaded area. The indoor images were taken from the front windows. All images were taken 10-1030am.

1. Open Shade: This is an area in the shade next to a building, umbrella, awning, fence or tree.  When standing in this type of shade you can look up and see the open sky

2. Window Light: Find a large window in your home that is on the side opposite to the sun. Stand next to the window to have pictures with gorgeous natural light.

3. Cloudy Day: The clouds in the sky, diffuse the sun and make the light become soft. When it is cloudy, you can take pictures in the open and do not need to search for shade.

Illuminate Your Face and Eyes

1. Your face is evenly lit and there is light/sparkle in your eyes

2. Open Shade: step to the edge of the shadow line on the ground, look towards the open sky. Avoid facing large trees or buildings, as this will reduce the amount of light illuminating your face.

3. Window Light: Take the picture facing the window. I often see selfies, where people are facing away from a window or are too far from the window. This results in dark shadows and muddy color skin

4. If you want to have a bit more dimension to your face, the addition of soft shadows, face the window or open sky at a 45 degree angle.

OPEN SHADE. I am standing in open shade, but facing the house instead of the open sky behind me. My face is dark and shaded. There is no light in my eyes.

OPEN SHADE: I am standing in the shade of the house. My back is to the sun and I am facing the open sky. This allows the light to illuminate my face and eyes. The light is even and soft. There are no harsh shadows.

WINDOW LIGHT: I am standing in front of the window, off to the side at a 45 degree angle. I have soft even light on my face and eyes. I have a bit more dimension and shadows on my face. You can see a bit more “texture” in my skin. This image and the one to the right are absolutely acceptable images, it is a matter of preference. If you are older (have wrinkles) or have blemishes, these textures will be more evident. when there are more shadows or dimension to the face.

WINDOW LIGHT: I am standing in the middle of the window, facing the window directly. This is soft and even light on my face. This is very flat light and does not lead to dimension on my face. However, it also helps soften the “texture” to my skin.

Use the Correct Angle

1. Take the picture from a higher angle. Taking a portrait from below will emphasize your neck and chin and this does not flatter the jawline

2. Elongate and stretch your neck.  This will help keep your chin up and out avoiding the double chin.