Coffee and Cameras: The Selfie

{Coffee and Cameras #1:  Introduction and Editing}

I don't know what it is about the selfie, but I have never been a big fan of it myself.  Truth be told, I'm always embarrassed to post one!  But sometimes I just feel really good about myself that I have to post one.  In a world where we are bombarded by what "perfect" is suppose to look like it is rare that I feel that way and by posting a selfie, I feel like I can say hey, I'm happy with ME!

Back at the end of 2014 when I FINALLY upgraded from the iPhone 4s to the 6 a new world of selfies opened up to me!  The front facing camera is almost as good as the regular camera!  In the correct light, you can get a very good picture!  Then I discovered the timer and my life changed!

{Timer}

The timer allows you to set either a three or ten second countdown.  The numbers count down on your screen and allow you to get prepared for the shot.  Usually I use three seconds for my own selfies and ten for a group selfie.  

TIP:  Take some time before you hit the timer to find an angle that you feel you look best at.  Use the front facing camera as a mirror!  I've done this many times while traveling and a mirror hasn't been handy.

Once the countdown reaches zero, the camera takes a burst of TEN shots!

TIP:  Take as many photos as you wish until you get the one YOU like!  My magic number is three.  That is thirty shots to choose from and funnily enough, I usually go with the first!

{Hand-held Selfie}

The first one we all master, am I right?  My big TIP for the hand-held selfie is lighting.  I like to do a full 360 degree turn to find out which is the best position for lighting.  Second TIP might be more my own preference, but I like a clean or interesting background.  Within the good lighting, find a background that let's YOU be the start of the shot.

The hardest thing, I think, about the hand-held selfie is not getting your arm in the shot.  It just takes maneuvering the camera.  You are in control, work with the camera until the angle is good!

{Propped Timer Selfie}

Like I said above, the self timer is a game changer when it comes to selfies.  It took me about a month to realize that I could prop up my phone and take my own picture!  Usually I have to wait for The Hunny to be around.  I give him a detailed description of what I envision for the shot {the OCD photographer in me} and after about twenty shots, MAYBE I get one that I like.

With the self timer, I can set up a shot just how I like and get it done in a few timer bursts!

TIP:  Background choices!  I mentioned above that the background can take away from you or it can ADD to you.  While in Vegas and in height of my The 1975 obsession phase, THIS amazing mirror was in the room.  The first day was a fluke, but I loved it so much I had to do one everyday!  Be happy I don't have this at home!

What you cannot see is that the room had all of our luggage and junk around.  I had to be VERY conscious of what could be seen in the mirror and each day I learned more.  The first one you can see my luggage handle.  Again maneuvering the camera is what selfies is all about.

{Couple Selfie}

I feel like the couple selfie is a more spontaneous beast than any other selfie.  You are hanging with your bestie and you realize, we need to document this awesome time in our friendship.  So in the couple selfie, I think it is more about chemistry than anything else.

TIP:  Let your true self come through in a couple selfie.  Feed off each other and only do one burst!  This is a quick spontaneous moment in time.  Capture it, share it and put the phone away.  Stay in the moment with the people you love.

{Group Selfie}

I never thought of doing a selfie with more than one person before, but then came the holidays.  The iPhone 6 has such a wide camera that I've been able to get eight people in a single shot!  The first one was a bit hard, but I've learned a couple things....

TIP:  The person taking the picture should be a bit in front of everyone.  This gives you more room in the shot.  Again using the phone like a mirror get everyone scene and then set the timer.  I find the ten second one best for group shots so everyone can get settled before the burst starts.

{Details Selfie}

Especially for us nerds, it is all about the Easter Eggs.  I try to always have a bit of nerdy flair on me at all times and when someone notices, that makes my day!  So why not share those details in selfie form?!

WHEW...I didn't realize that so much went into posting the perfect selfie!  I like that YOU can be in control of your own self image.  I think that is a powerful thing for anyone with self-esteem issues, and isn't that all of us really?

Did you find this post helpful?  Is there a certain topic you would like me to tackle in the future?!  Let me know in the comments below and don't forget to share if this post helped you!  

NEXT TIME on Coffee and Cameras:  Composition.

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