#selfie2014
Last year
was in my opinion, the “year of selfies.” It was oxford
Dictionary’s word of the year: the selfie.
Barack Obama;
David Cameron, Hillary Clinton, Meryl Streep and even Pope Francis have done
it. So have Rihanna, the entire Kardashian Klan and every other celebrity on
the planet. It is the reason Instagram will become 2014’s biggest social media
account yet.
While you
may not have Kim Kardashian looks, it’s imperative to know how to take a good
photo of yourself considering the number of people who will see it. So don’t
ever be in a rush to put it on Instagram; Facebook and twitter before you can
say (hash tag) selfie.
If last year
was described as the year of social media, trust me, it will have nothing on
this year. So here are a few commandments on how to take a picture of yourself.
1. Always have the tallest person hold
the camera, or your phone. That prevents the double and triple chin, and it
captures everyone.
2. Use all those layers of filters. Don’t
buy into the hype of celebrities who post barefaced selfies on social media.
3. Selfies are not about you. Let others
in on the fun. Selfies get feedback-and let’s be honest, you are posting
because you want that.
4. Edit. Edit. Edit. That’s why you have
filters; apps, presentation formats and Lord knows what else on your smartphone
and tablet.
5. Those glamorous, stunning images in
magazines are not one-offs. It takes 100 images to get one perfect shot. Keep snapping
until you have three hard- to –pick options, then choose the best and post. Return
that favour even when it includes other people. They want to look good too.
6. Selfies are for all. Share that hair
change, great looks or your new accessory.
7. Photography rules apply. Check your background
as natural light is always the best. Take a few test shots to get your
flattering side.
8. Captions are just as critical as
images.
9. Smile. Yes. I know. Everyone blows a
kiss and sometimes even look pretty hot. Don’t do it. If you wouldn’t want that
face in your parent’s family album being thumped through by non-digital
strangers.
10. No matter what Kim Kardashian’s
579392 likes indicate or two million Baby Monster tweets; you must flaunt your
best assets. If eyes are your best feature, wear mascara; eyeliner or eye
shadow. If it is your lips, get a lip colour that is flattering to your skin
tone.
By Embukane Vincent Libosso; as
inspired by Sunday Nation’s Fashion Writer- Carol Odero.
