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Upgrade Your Selfie Game: Pro Tips for Better Shots

Framing – It’s More Than Just Positioning Yourself!

Framing is one of the most essential parts of photography. But when it comes to selfies, it’s not just about where you place yourself—it’s about everything around you, too!

For example, if you're at a coffee shop embracing those cozy vibes, use your drink as a prop. Hold it up to create depth or place it in the foreground for added intrigue. Experiment with different props and foreground elements to make your selfie more visually interesting.

The Rule of Thirds is another game-changer for selfie composition. Picture your screen divided into thirds both horizontally and vertically. The key is to position your focal points within these sections or at their intersections. As you can see in this example of my wife and me, I occupy the right third while she sits in the middle and lower-left intersection. And don’t forget—empty space can be just as powerful in framing!

A smiling couple taking a selfie on the beach at sunset, with the ocean and sky in the background.
Close-up of a person's face with sunlight creating stripe patterns across their face from window blinds.

Lighting – Make It Work for You

Lighting can make or break a selfie. When in doubt, find a big window—that soft, natural light is your best friend. But to take your selfies to the next level, consider two things:

  1. Backlight: This is when a light source is behind you, helping to separate you from the background and add depth. Think sunlight, lamps, or even a phone flashlight!

  2. Dynamic Light: While soft window light is beautiful, using creative lighting can add drama and intrigue. In one of my shots, I used window blinds to create unique patterns of light and shadow. You can experiment with blinds, paper, prisms, or anything else that alters the light for a striking effect.

Self – The Most Important Element

The best selfies aren’t about filters or production—they’re about you. Embracing your personality is what truly makes a selfie stand out.

For example, I’m a goofy guy, but I also love flowers. I’m known in the wedding industry for my bouquet selfies, which I take to honor my mom’s love of flowers. They’re simple but meaningful, and they reflect who I am.

So, whether you love bold expressions, serene moments, or quirky props, let your selfies showcase your authentic self!

I hope these tips help you step up your selfie game! Feel free to share your shots on Instagram and tag me @tayloredphotog—I’d love to see them!

A man with curly hair and light skin holding a large bouquet of colorful flowers, including yellow sunflowers, red roses, and white baby's breath, outdoors with a partly cloudy sky.
A smiling man with curly hair holding a vibrant bouquet of yellow sunflowers and red roses, standing outdoors with a background of a brick building, trees, and sky.