Tips on How-To Take a Professional Looking Selfie

We know everyone does not have access to a professional photographer. We understand that sometimes taking a headshot photo isn’t a priority for your business. But it is possible to take a quick, professional-looking selfie at home by yourself. All you need is a steady hand, a camera phone, and a smile.

In an industry where you are the face of your business, and having meaningful relationships with people who trust you, appearance means a lot. This is also a huge help when submitting your headshot photo for your TRUE ID Card, which is how suppliers will see you.

We have seen some interesting pictures in our day: grandchildren, pets, shower curtains, you name it and we have probably seen it or something similar.

In order to help you be the best you can be and to promote your travel business successfully, here are some tips and tricks to take great selfies at home, with your phone, by yourself:

Tip # 1: Know Your Device

Are you working with a phone or computer with a front-facing camera?
Can you adjust your shutter speed?
Can you adjust your exposure?

These settings will help you be able to take a great looking photo. Take a test shot of a sunny area in your home or office and play with the settings to get it just how you like it.

Tip #2: Check Your Surroundings

Know where you are going to be taking your photo. PLEASE DO NOT GO IN YOUR BATHROOM. You would never introduce yourself to a client or supplier in the bathroom, so please don’t use this space as a place to take a photo of yourself someone may be seeing for the first time.

You want to look polished, professional, and friendly.

Do’s:

Pick an area of your home or office that has good natural lighting and neutral painted wall, even a nice open space outdoors would work
Try to have the sun or lighting come from in front of your face not from behind
Choose to be sitting or standing, make sure to straighten your back and look eye level into the camera
Be comfortable and smile

Don’ts:

NO BATHROOM SELFIES
NO MIRROR SELFIES
NO SELFIES FROM THE BOTTOM UP
NO CAR SELFIES
NO FLASH – this will give a harsh look to your photo

Tip #3: Finding your good side

Everyone has a good side. Practice taking LOTS of photos from various angles to find the one that works best for you. The more pictures you take the better ones you will find, trust us.

Remember: look straight into the camera, not down or up.

Tip #4: Focus your camera before snapping your photo

Get comfortable with focusing your camera on different objects, you will want your camera to be in focus when taking your picture or all your effort is lost. You may be able to set an auto-focus in your phone’s camera settings or simply lightly touch the screen.