Lots of mums have asked us for tips on how to take a good selfie – so here are some tips
But remember – don’t stress – just enjoy taking pics of the new you and enjoy feeling great about yourself no matter what your pics look like and take the time to CELEBRATE YOU!!
We LOVE seeing all your progress photos posted in The Healthy Mummy Community and due to popular demand we’ve put together our top tips if you want to have a perfect looking pic – but as we say above don’t stress – we love your pics even if you don’t follow all of these tips and so does everyone else.
4 Ways to take a selfie.
1. Full length mirror
PROS – This is the most popular method used due to its simplicity. If you have a full length mirror in your bedroom, then just point and shoot.
CONS – The problems with this method are if the mirror is not in a brightly lit location, it’s a bit dirty or there’s a lot of clutter around.
2. Timer
The iPhone camera has a timer – just click on the clock face at the top of the screen. Or use an app like Camera+. Set up your phone carefully. If you need some privacy and are shooting inside, a box on the kitchen bench should bring it up to the right height. Or if shooting outside, a large rubbish bin works well. Then simply set the timer, get in position and take the shot.
PROS – The flexibility of not needing a mirror means you can choose a lighter, brighter and tidier location, which will produce a better photo.
CONS – It will take a few tries to get the hang of it.
3. Tripod
If you’re taking selfies regularly then you should consider investing in a tripod. You can pick them up for $20 or less and they make life MUCH easier!
Use with a timer or get really pro and use a remote! Tripods are available for cameras or phones, whichever you prefer. Keep it set up then you’re ready to whip it out, slot your phone in and take your pic in minutes!
PROS – This way you can take your photos in the most perfect brightly lit location in your house.
CONS – A small cost and a little bit of practice.
4. Someone else takes it
Husbands and children over about 5 years old can be trained to take great photos, but you need to tell them exactly what you need –
- Set the photo up for them
- Tell them where to stand
- Tell them you want to be able to see your whole body, top to toe
- If they are taller than you, then ask them to crouch down. Kids can stand on a stool. The camera should be held at your chest height.
- Make sure you are in the centre of the photo to ensure the camera is focussed on you. On your phone, tap the screen where you want it to focus.
- Ask them to take multiple images. Not rapid fire though, slow and steady, so you can try different poses and have a selection of photos to choose from.
PROS – Can choose whatever location you like.
CONS – You need a willing photographer!
How to get your setting right
The rest of the photo should be as simple as possible. If you’re shooting inside, then standing in front of a plain white wall is ideal. If outside, you could use a brick wall, garage door or fence as your background.
If using a mirror, then it needs to be spotless. The camera will only emphasise marks and they will distract from you.
The area around you should be as clutter-free as possible –
- If your bed is in the pic and you don’t want to show the world your sheets them fold them up or move them out of the way
- If you don’t want the world to see your pile of clothes on the floor then move them out of sight of the camera
- If you have toiletries sitting on your bathroom bench, then move them out of sight.
When you look at your photo you see you – but 9/10 pics we see have all of these in – so don’t stress if yours have your things in too as it certainly it is real life – but just make sure you are ok with them all being on display as sometimes you don’t realise they are even in the photo until later! But totally your call.
Too far away and the mess is too distracting
Lighting tips
Lighting is key to a great photo. The brighter the better –
- Move your mirror if possible to catch the light
- Stand next to a window and face the window so that your face is in natural light
- Don’t use your flash if you can help it. It’ll create a forehead glare, distort your appearance and possibly give your selfie the redeye effect.
Much better! Simple, close-up, light and bright
Shooting tips
- If using a standalone mirror, then make it as vertical as possible, as an angle can create distortion.
- Hold the camera/phone centrally to your body so it’s not angled up or down.
- Use the back camera on your phone. It takes higher-resolution pictures than the front camera.
- Remember your posture – stand tall with your shoulders back and down. And relax!
- For tracking your progress standing straight front on and side on will give you the most accurate reflection of your body shape.
- But if taking an outfit photo for The Healthy Mummy Fashion Facebook group, then it is most flattering to have your hips side on and your shoulders are front on to the camera. It feels really awkward, but looks amazing.
Photo Editing
Most photos can be improved with a little editing.
If you’re on your phone, then using an app is the simplest way. Some useful apps are Camera+, VSCO Cam, Instagram and Afterlight. Don’t use a filter. Just increase the exposure to brighten it up and the contrast to make the image sharper. Don’t go crazy with the editing though. You still want to look natural!
Consider cropping out a messy background, or create a collage with your before and after photos with an app like PicFrame. Remember to keep it simple and stick with a plain white boarder or no boarder at all.
PicMonkey is a fantastic website if you’re on your computer. They have a magical Auto Adjust button that makes editing easy. You can also crop and collage here.
If you love taking photos of food then we also have some top tips for taking great food photos.
And remember – CELEBRATE feeling amazing and the new you no matter what kind of photo you take – these are just tips and you don’t have to do them or feel that you have to and we have written this after 100’s of requests on how to take better selfie photos but it is not intended to put any pressure on anyone!
Happy snapping!
Every month on the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge, we run a BRAND NEW 28 Day Menu with a different theme so you NEVER get bored!
Next month’s theme is WINTER! – Perfect for the chilly weather, SUPER easy to whip up and still just as healthy.
If you are curious about the 28 Day Challenge recipes then we have a 28 Day Challenge recipe pack for you to try HERE. 
Find a delicious range of healthy recipes, packed full of energy boosting ingredients and nutrients together with easy to achieve exercise.
