A selfie taken at an angle of 45 degrees from the side is perceived as more attractive due to the facial slimming effect.
The lens of a phone camera can distort facial features, making them appear up to 30% wider.
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To counteract this, holding the camera further away can help keep proportions accurate.
Natural light is the best lighting for selfies.
However, if indoor lighting is necessary, soft white bulbs are a good alternative as they mimic natural daylight.
A smile with slightly closed lips is perceived as more attractive than a wide, toothy grin in selfies.
Taking selfies at eye level can help avoid unflattering angles.
Tilting the camera up or down can result in double chin or nostril shots, respectively.
Using the front camera of a phone often results in lower quality images due to smaller sensor size and lower resolution lenses.
The rule of thirds is a photography principle that can be applied to selfies.
Positioning the face off-center and aligning with one of the intersecting lines creates a more visually pleasing composition.
A study published in the Journal of Research in Personality found that people who take and post more selfies are perceived as less likeable and more narcissistic than those who post fewer selfies.
According to a study by the University of Toronto, using filters that increase facial symmetry in selfies can make the subject appear more attractive.
A study in the journal Computers in Human Behavior found that people who take frequent selfies have higher levels of self-esteem than those who do not.
Framing the shot to include some context or background can add interest and story to a selfie.
Most phone cameras have a built-in timer function, allowing for a more relaxed and steady shot.
Post-processing apps such as Snapseed and VSCO can enhance selfies with adjustments to contrast, brightness, and saturation.
The "halo effect" in selfies, where a bright light source is placed behind the head, can create a halo-like glow around the hair and face.
A study in the journal Psychology of Popular Media Culture found that people who frequently post selfies are more likely to have depressive symptoms.
Selfies can be a tool for self-expression and creativity, allowing people to experiment with different identities, styles, and moods.
The term "selfie" was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2013.
According to a report by Statista, as of 2021, there are over 93 million selfies taken each day.
A study by the University of Strathclyde found that people who take selfies are more likely to have a positive body image.
In 2018, the Museum of Modern Art in New York City acquired a selfie stick as part of its permanent collection, recognizing the impact of the device on contemporary culture.