Top Ten: Perfect Selfies – Guys

You won't believe these amazing selfies taken with my ten simple tips!

1. Avoid using the flash

@alefromsummerclub

Using a phone’s built in flash can ruin a great photo in a number of ways. As well as washing out bright areas, it will cast dark shadows over various areas of the face. If you’re prone to oily skin or have a natural shine, you can place a bet that the flash will only serve to enhance it – so try not to use it! It will also reflect in any shiny surface also in the shot, especially windows and mirrors. If you really have to use a flash, try diffusing it with a piece of almost transparent plastic.

2. Face the light source

@jxyuk

Know where the light is coming from, and use it. The light should never be behind you, as it cast your face into shadow and brighten up everything else. If it’s daylight and your light is coming from a window, face towards the window, don’t have it behind you. Similarly, if the light source is artificial, don’t stand in front of it as you’ll just become a silhouette. Embrace the light, face towards it and your face will thank you. Experiment with different angles, and notice the difference the shadows make. If taking your photo outside, avoid directly facing the sun – not only for the obvious reason, but to avoid that terrible squint.

3. Don’t pull THAT face. You know the one!

@markywilliams554

Duck faces are only attractive on ducks – to other ducks. And I’m pretty sure if a duck pulled a duck face he wouldn’t be attractive to another duck either. If you’re joking around on purpose, like Marky here, go for it. If you’re serious, don’t… just don’t. I’ve seen people do this as they believe it will draw attention to the cheekbones and lips, or will make them come across as intense and sexy – but it actually looks like you’re trying really hard to wait for the bathroom. Especially when that stare comes into play. Another “THAT face” is the mouth-cover. There’s any number of reasons someone might be covering their mouth – dry lips, a bothersome spot, braces – nothing to actually worry about. In fact, covering the mouth actually draws more attention to it! A natural, easy-going smile or look is always the way to go – your friends will appreciate it, and your followers will love it – see #8 for more info.

4. Notice the background… your friends do!

@mrzampieri

This is the letdown of many a great selfie – and something so many people don’t even think about! While concentrating on your own natural ruggedness and good looks, after the 67th photo taken, do you really have time to look around you? Make sure you do, and include an interesting, or at least clean background in your selfie! When I offered this selfie suggestion to people helping out, nobody wanted to do it and all suddenly became acutely aware of their surroundings. Rafael came the closest with a pretty clean kitchen – but we’ve all seen the sort of selfies I’m talking about. As you know, it’s a reflection of you, so if you have mouldy bathroom tiles, underwear on the floor or an abundance of dirty crockery in view, people will judge you. They may not say it. But they’ll judge. Incorrectly, right?

Know your best angles

@_samshields

Part of a great selfie is knowing your angles – and surprisingly where a lot of people fail when taking their own photograph. Due to spending so much time trying to focus on one feature, the rest of the face is forgotten about. Guys should avoid taking photos from above, unless deliberately aiming for a feminine look. While it’s true that taking the photo from above does make eyes look larger, it also takes away from the masculine features. A good male portrait should be taken from just below eye level, in order to show off the jawline, and will also serve the purpose of making you look taller too.

6. Editing and filters

@tonymellis

A great rule to remember when editing your own picture: less is more. Social media and photo apps turned everyone into a professional fauxtographer overnight. When using any photo editing software it’s so easy to overdo it without even noticing, and when you do realise, it’s usually too late to repair. Face enhancing apps should be used sparing, with a slight brush over any major blemishes and a subtle sharpen across the eyes. Even Barbie would be shocked at the effects these apps can produce. The selected filter should also enhance your features and not wash them out. Oh, and one more tip to bear in mind – step AWAY from the HDR effect…

7. Your clothing colour makes a difference

@cbennettxo

This is one of my favourite tips when taking headshots – and it works well in person too, not just in a photograph. The idea is simple – have your clothing match your eyes. Colours can either compliment each other or have an opposite effect. This doesn’t mean if you have brown eyes you should dress in brown for the rest of your life – this could be very boring! Blues and greys compliment blue eyes, earthy tones such as dark red and deep oranges will enhance brown eyes, and if you have green or hazel eyes – definitely work with greens in your colour palette. Try it, and notice the difference. If you’re not sure, you can never go wrong with white!

9. Express yourself!

@freddy_owen_roscamp

We all know that one person on Instagram – the one that posts the exact same pose again and again. Sometimes it’s in their house, sometimes it’s at work, sometimes it’s even outdoors – but always the same look. In fact I was following one of these people, and he’d posted a picture of him and a friend and I could have sworn he’d photoshopped himself in from a previous photo. And I’m sure it’s just coincidence, but more often that not the same-selfie taker and the duck-face selfie or mouth-coverer taker are one and the same! Take a look at Freddy’s photos here, the four on the left are actually different photos, believe it or not. Which feed would you rather look at every day? ‘Nuff said.

9. Get creative and have fun!

@itsciaranxo

I love to follow people on social media who post the unexpected. By unexpected I don’t mean shocking or controversial, I mean the people who aren’t afraid to have a bit of fun and take life with a pinch of salt. People who aren’t afraid to goof off alone or with others definitely come across as happier people – and one of the routes to happiness is to surround yourself with positive people. Get creative with your surroundings, or even use emoticons or drawing in your selfies! Surprise yourself and come up with something awesome.

10. Get others involved!

@ellisjjames

People look at your photos because they’re interested in what you’re up to. And because you’re hot. But mainly because they have an interest. Nothing says life more than sharing it with others – so get involving your friends and family in your selfies – maybe even your pets! Never create a false social life through social media, because while people don’t have the heart to call you out on it, they can see it. Some people much prefer their own company, but if you’re a person who loves people, get them involved!

Thanks for checking out my top ten – don't forget to visit me at www.lifeinlivingcolor.com for my Model of the Week - and my Instagram at @LifeLivingColor!