A few weeks ago I shared advice with you on becoming body positive from the photographers in my Everybodies Education group. One of the main ways they work on their self love/body image is by taking sexy selfies, and from a group of photographers I can understand why they would do that, but EVERYONE should learn to take glorious photos of themselves so they can understand how they look from various angles (and have something saucy to share if they want to). So, I consulted that same group of photographers for their top selfie tips to help you get started!!
*Try the pose, even if you don’t feel like you will like it. When you go to edit, it just may be your favorite one!
*Just keep moving and snapping!
*Honestly, taking sexy selfies takes practice. The mechanics of it take practice but it also takes practice to see yourself in sexy photos. So, do it often. Don’t allow yourself to take just one self portrait; commit yourself to doing 1/day for a week. That way you won’t see the first photo you take of yourself, hate it, and resign to one of the lies we don’t let our clients say — “I don’t photograph well.”
*I am not that great taking selfies little own sexy ones, but I found if you concentrate on one body part and fill the shot, it can add a little mystery as well.
*Avoid harsh overhead lighting!
*Out of a ridiculous number of photos you may only like one and that's normal, keep practicing and that number will go up.
*Feeling comfortable yet sexy in what you're wearing or not wearing. Lighting!!!!!
*Practice in a mirror or use the mirror during the selfies! But also, it’s a lot of just trial & error, seeing what angles & light compliment your own form best
*Breathe & Grace. Give yourself time to ease into it just like your clients. You don’t get the opportunity to relax into the situation and get comfy like clients do.
Grace. So go easy on yourself. Know that while you’re a professional photographer that it’s hard to do both model and photographer jobs at the same time. Don’t have the same expectations you may have as with clients. But still allow yourself to be vulnerable and open to whatever you may see.
Give yourself grace. For whatever you may see that you may not normally see. It’s ok. Get used to it and don’t shy away from it. Keep trying. Keep getting in front of that camera. Give yourself the grace you give every other client in front of your camera. Don’t fixate. Just find room to be.
*turn yourself on
*Booze!
*Natural light! Use those windows!
*Selfie. Timer. And enjoy yourself!! Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t like a picture! There are so many factors: angle, lighting, pose. Love your body, explore your body, enjoy your body.
*I find that using my hands in selfies always makes me feel sexy. If I touch my mouth or bite my finger I think it distracts a bit. Not true of everyone but hey it's my shit! Hands are sensual.
Here are a few key photography tips to keep in mind, regardless of the device you are using:
1. Flat natural light is best, so turn and face the window or put yourself in the shade if it’s sunny out
2. Sexy selfies are good when there’s a wee bit of mystery, so close ups are a good idea.
3. DON’T SEND UNSOLICITED SEXY IMAGES TO PEOPLE. CONSENT IS SEXY.
4. To get a sexy pout, part your lips slightly
5. Confidence is key - fake it, until you make it, baby
6. Every takes crappy photos - not all will be winners and that’s NORMAL.
Lastly! Enlist the help of your best friends! Make it an evening or a day, where you all get dolled up, celebrate and lift each other up and snap some fun and sexy images of each other. It’s a great way to bond and empower each other - plus get to see your assets that are a bit more difficult to capture in a selfie!
SHAMELESS PLUG:
If you want to take your selfie game to the next level, we are hosting our next Selfie Love Experience on Feb 2, 2020 which gives you the opportunity to come in with your friends for 45 minutes, play in our epic boudoir wardrobe AND take images among our sexy sets!
Regardless of how you take your sexy selfies, just remember that they are just different angles of the same amazing human and every single one is worthy of love. Now go forth and shoot your shot!
