How can I use lighting to my advantage for selfies

Okay, so I’m really bad at taking selfies. Like, really bad. I see all these influencers and my friends on Instagram and they look amazing! And I take a picture and it’s… unflattering to say the least. I’m pretty sure the problem is the lighting. I’ve heard that good lighting is key to a good selfie, but I have NO idea where to even start.

Specifically, I usually take selfies indoors, and my apartment lighting is pretty harsh fluorescent overhead lights. So, how can I make that situation better? Do I need to buy some special equipment? Are there certain angles or positions that make indoor lighting less terrible? Also, what about when I’m outside? Is bright sunlight always a good thing, or are there times when it makes me look worse? What are some general rules of thumb I should follow for taking better lit, more flattering selfies, both indoors and outdoors? I’m really looking for specific advice, not just general tips! Thanks in advance!

Answer

To take great selfies using lighting to your advantage, consider these detailed tips:

1. Understanding Natural Light:

• Golden Hour: This is the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset. During this time, the sun is low in the sky, casting a warm, soft, and diffused light. This is universally flattering and minimizes harsh shadows.
• Open Shade: Look for areas that are shaded but still receive indirect light from the sky. Examples include:
  • Underneath a large tree (avoiding direct sunlight filtering through the leaves, which can create dappled and uneven lighting).
  • In the shadow of a building.
  • On a covered porch.
    Open shade provides a soft, even light that minimizes harsh shadows and highlights your features.
• Overcast Days: An overcast day can act as a giant softbox. The clouds diffuse the sunlight, creating a soft and even illumination.
• Facing the Light: When using natural light, generally face the light source. This ensures your face is well-lit. Avoid having the light directly behind you (backlighting), unless you are intentionally going for a silhouette effect.
• Window Light: Position yourself near a window, ideally a large one.
  • Experiment with different angles to the window.
  • Use a sheer curtain to diffuse the light if it’s too harsh.
  • Avoid direct sunlight streaming through the window, as this can create harsh shadows.

2. Artificial Light Considerations:

• Avoid Direct Flash: The built-in flash on your phone or camera is usually the least flattering option. It tends to create harsh shadows, wash out skin tones, and cause red-eye. If you absolutely must use flash, try to diffuse it by covering it with a piece of tissue or paper.
• Ring Lights: These are popular for selfies because they create a soft, even light that minimizes shadows and gives a flattering glow. Choose one with adjustable brightness and color temperature.
• Softboxes: Softboxes are lighting modifiers that diffuse light, creating a softer and more flattering illumination. While they’re more common in studio settings, smaller, portable softboxes can be used for selfies.
• Lamps and Ambient Light: Experiment with the existing light in your environment.
  • Turn on multiple lamps to create a brighter and more even light.
  • Avoid having a single light source directly above you, as this can cast unflattering shadows under your eyes and nose.
• Color Temperature (Warm vs. Cool):
  • Warm light (yellowish/orange hues) can make skin look warmer and healthier.
  • Cool light (bluish hues) can appear more sterile or harsh. Experiment to see which color temperature looks best on you. Many ring lights and LED panels allow you to adjust the color temperature.

3. Specific Lighting Techniques for Selfies:

• Front Lighting: The light source is directly in front of you. This is generally flattering as it evenly illuminates your face and minimizes shadows. Be careful not to look directly into a very bright light, as this can cause you to squint.
• Side Lighting: The light source is to the side of you. This can create more dramatic shadows and highlight your facial features. Experiment with different angles to see what works best. Side lighting can accentuate bone structure.
• Butterfly Lighting: This technique involves placing the light source slightly above and in front of you, casting a small butterfly-shaped shadow under your nose. It is often used in portrait photography and can be very flattering for selfies.
• Rembrandt Lighting: This involves placing the light source to the side of you, creating a triangle of light on the cheek opposite the light source. This technique can add depth and dimension to your face.

4. Practical Tips and Troubleshooting:

• Experiment: The best way to find the right lighting for your selfies is to experiment with different light sources, angles, and distances.
• Avoid Mixed Lighting: Mixing different color temperatures (e.g., natural daylight and warm artificial light) can create unflattering color casts on your skin. Try to use a single light source or match the color temperatures.
• Use a Reflector (Optional): A reflector is a surface that bounces light back onto your face, filling in shadows and creating a more even illumination. A simple white piece of cardboard can work as a makeshift reflector.
• Adjust Your Phone’s Exposure: Many phone cameras allow you to adjust the exposure, which can brighten or darken the image.
• Clean Your Camera Lens: Smudges on your camera lens can cause the light to scatter, resulting in a blurry or hazy image.
• Be Aware of Reflections: Avoid taking selfies in front of mirrors or windows where your reflection or other distracting elements might appear in the background.
• Consider the Background: The background lighting can affect the overall look of your selfie. A bright background can cause your face to appear underexposed, while a dark background can make your face appear overexposed.
• Use Editing Apps: Editing apps can help you fine-tune the lighting in your selfies, adjust brightness, contrast, and shadows.

By understanding and applying these lighting techniques, you can significantly improve the quality of your selfies. Experiment and practice to find what works best for your face and style.