The Unauthorized Guide on How Not To Take A Selfie

The Philippines has had Makati City and Pasig City called the “selfie capital of the world”, and with the current generation being so engrossed with selfies as well, we thought about creating a “How Not To” guide on taking selfies.

The photos that I have taken in this article were all shot using a Sony RX100 III. If I had used a front-facing smartphone camera, the results would have been a lot worse. But for the sake of this article, I used a good camera to show how some things will always ruin a selfie regardless of what camera you’re using.

Also, for the sake of this article, I would like to excuse my face.

1. Bad lighting and bad photos overall

Can’t you wait for a better opportunity to take a selfie? At least one in better lighting? If you can, please do. If you’re going to show off your face, at least do it properly.

Apart from that, why not learn to take better photos overall first? Learn to keep the subject in focus, keeping the camera still and at least your whole head in the picture. You have all the time to practice! Your pretty face won’t go anywhere.

2. Some “selfies” aren’t technically selfies

If you have to define what a selfie is, it’s taking a self-portrait photo at more or less arm’s length. Photos with groups of people or using a self-timer or remote doesn’t really count. We’ll make exceptions for monopod and selfie stick shots, but you should label those #ootds more appropriately.

3. Editing too much / Filter overload

Once you have your shot, we guess it’s okay to edit the rough edges, but you don’t have to overly brighten the shot and increase the contrast! Keep things pleasing to eyes just like a good photo would. We can say almost the same thing with filters.

Personally, I have to say you should only add filters if it increases the mood you want to project with any photo; if it doesn’t, try not putting a heavy one. You don’t have to add glitters, stars and lots of light leaks either. We’re over that era; most cameras can take good selfies in good lighting now.

4. Using unrelated #hashtags and captions

A lot of times, we find people post selfies that are focused on their other body parts (cleavage, biceps) and provocative poses with captions telling us to love God or our parents, ended by #FoodPorn.

Please don’t do that.

5. Posting too often

“Kakaorder lang. About To Eat #selfie #ootd #gutom #ferrari”

Finally, if you want people to actually appreciate your selfies, don’t post them too often. Things that are scarce have more value than those that are not always in circulation. Trust us – unless you’re of heavenly beauty, nobody’s going to be all over your “just woke up selfie” followed by “I just got out of bed selfie” then “I just got out of my room selfie”.

What other things would you tell selfie enthusiasts not to do? Feel free to share them!