On Trend: Your best self(ie)

Taken at BREC’s Botanical Garden, NOT in Napa Valley.

If there is one thing I am guaranteed to see every time I open social media, it’s a selfie. Take a moment to absorb just how popular this trend is right now. #selfie on Instagram has 206,613,410 posts (SERIOUSLY). Kim Kardashian has an entire book devoted to hers, which is absolutely insane to me, but you do you, Kim. Interview magazine’s September issue has eight different covers featuring celebrities’ selfies, including Kardashian and Miley Cyrus (so it’s obviously NSFW). The New York Times says makeup companies are now doing product tests using iPhones to accommodate a selfie-oriented consumer, and Dolce and Gabbana’s models took selfies on the runway during Milan Fashion Week. 

“Selfies are awesome because you have complete control to find the best lighting and angle for, well, you,” fellow On Trend blogger Lauren Sibley says. Who doesn’t want to look their best?

As someone who avoids photos in most cases, I am not the expert here. The times where I am/have to be “camera-ready” are few. To benefit you, I’ve outsourced. Here are some tips from a few friends on how to present your best selves via selfie.

Angles: The consensus across the board is to hold the camera slightly above you instead of straight out (demonstrated by the Dolce and Gabbana models). Don’t bother getting too creative here, but definitely never position the camera below your face. “Up angle shots have never done anyone a photogenic favor,” Jason Broha says. TRUTH.

Lighting: “I find that my selfies are especially perfect when I’m outside and #nofilter is necessary,” Lauren says. Shannon Rasbury agrees. “Natural light is the most flattering. If it’s too dark, your face can end up with shadows and it’s not flattering.”

Poses: “I learned this from the Olsen twins… say the word ‘prune’ for the perfect pursed lips,” says Brittany Nieto. (This is an actual thing they said, I looked it up.) Just don’t overdo it. “Duck faces: No. Just no,” Shannon says.

Quantity: “Always take options,” Patrick Box says. Plus, since you’re not bothering someone else to take the photo for you, you can keep going until you get the perfect shot. Or until staring at yourself makes you crazy.

Selfie stick: A lot of hate here—including an all-caps response from Jason—until Brittany responded. “I would use a selfie stick if I had one. Just saying.”

Brennan Rodriguez was the only one to sway me on the selfie stick. “It’s now my go-to gift for anyone over the age of 30, mostly because 1) they are just so ridiculous, and 2) who would ever buy one for themselves?!

“I bought [my husband] Brian a selfie stick for Christmas last year and we brought it with us to all the family activities. It made the day so much more fun! There’s just something special about explaining a selfie stick to your 90-year-old grandma!”

Buying a present based on ridiculousness that doubles as a family conversation starter? DONE.

What are your tips for taking the perfect selfie?

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And HEY! Once you’re done worrying about selfies, make sure you submit your best for #IAM225. Post a photo of yourself (selfie or regular) on Twitter or Instagram and in the caption, include the #IAM225 hashtag and tell us what you love about Baton Rouge. We’ll choose our favorites for the 10th anniversary issue of 225. Just remember, your account has to be public for us to view your photos.