10 tips to take the profile picture of your dreams
Number 4 is essential!
PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/MAHIRA KHAN
Profile picture, display picture or whatever you may call it can either impress or depress - in an instant. If you wish to canopy yourself under the umbrella of success, keep these tips from Vogue in mind before locking a picture for your Facebook or Twitter account!
1. Find the best light
Lighting is 90% of what makes a great photograph. As a general rule, direct light is harsh and less flattering then soft filtered light. If you have a moment that you want to capture, take a minute to look around and see where the best light falls. If you're taking a portrait outside, look for a large white wall to use as a reflector to make even light. Often glass buildings can create interesting effects when the sun is bouncing off. Getting as much light as possible when you're indoors is key for a strong photograph
2. Find a shadow
My favourite type of light is found in the shadows. On a bright, sunny day it's excellent to photograph in the shade of a building or inside, by a window. Standing the subject on the edge of the light with the darkest point behind the subject will mean the person will be illuminated perfectly.
3. Find a window
It's a well-known fact that all selfies must be taken in front of a window. This means facing the window, not the window behind you. Using the shade in the background creates the most flattering contrast and usually makes for an even skintone.
4. Act natural
It's one of the hardest things to do when someone raises a camera, but the more natural you look, the stronger the image. This means less pouting and posing. Try walking with hands in your pockets, leaning against a wall or getting a friend to make fun of the subject while being photographed in order to get a true reaction. Note that sensitive subjects may prefer not to participate in ridicule.
5. Use your location
If you're shooting spontaneously, think about how to use the whole space. Back up from the subject and take in what's around, rather than focusing only on the person in the frame. The more you do this, the more you'll start to see great locations as you go through life. Maybe make a mental note of interesting locations on your commute to work and start to incorporate them in your photography going forward.
6. Take many photographs
We live in a digital age and not restrained by spools of film and cost of developing. Take many images until you think you have the right one.
7. Be selective
The previous tip can only be used in conjunction with this. Take the time to look through all the images you've taken and select the best one. The editing process is as important as the shooting process. Remember you're only as good as your last picture, so select the best of the best and be ruthless.
8. Full Length Portraits
When taking a full-length portrait, hold the camera near to hip height. That way the person will be proportional from head to toe.
9. Use Your Apps
We have so many incredible apps at our disposal, take some time to learn what they do and how to use them. Apps like Snapseed are excellent at editing smartphone images on the go, with selective adjustments meaning minor changes can be made to exposure, contrast and colour in the most specific of areas.
10. Don't Over-Edit
Yes, use the tools at your disposal but approach with caution. Too much and it can look like a student project. We all have an idea of what we'd like to look like but let's be honest, no one has a completely flat pancake face. If you must use Facetune, make the adjustments as subtle as possible. My preference is using light (see above) and angles to create a flattering image, rather than fixing after the image has been taken.
1. Find the best light
Lighting is 90% of what makes a great photograph. As a general rule, direct light is harsh and less flattering then soft filtered light. If you have a moment that you want to capture, take a minute to look around and see where the best light falls. If you're taking a portrait outside, look for a large white wall to use as a reflector to make even light. Often glass buildings can create interesting effects when the sun is bouncing off. Getting as much light as possible when you're indoors is key for a strong photograph
2. Find a shadow
My favourite type of light is found in the shadows. On a bright, sunny day it's excellent to photograph in the shade of a building or inside, by a window. Standing the subject on the edge of the light with the darkest point behind the subject will mean the person will be illuminated perfectly.
3. Find a window
It's a well-known fact that all selfies must be taken in front of a window. This means facing the window, not the window behind you. Using the shade in the background creates the most flattering contrast and usually makes for an even skintone.
4. Act natural
It's one of the hardest things to do when someone raises a camera, but the more natural you look, the stronger the image. This means less pouting and posing. Try walking with hands in your pockets, leaning against a wall or getting a friend to make fun of the subject while being photographed in order to get a true reaction. Note that sensitive subjects may prefer not to participate in ridicule.
5. Use your location
If you're shooting spontaneously, think about how to use the whole space. Back up from the subject and take in what's around, rather than focusing only on the person in the frame. The more you do this, the more you'll start to see great locations as you go through life. Maybe make a mental note of interesting locations on your commute to work and start to incorporate them in your photography going forward.
6. Take many photographs
We live in a digital age and not restrained by spools of film and cost of developing. Take many images until you think you have the right one.
7. Be selective
The previous tip can only be used in conjunction with this. Take the time to look through all the images you've taken and select the best one. The editing process is as important as the shooting process. Remember you're only as good as your last picture, so select the best of the best and be ruthless.
8. Full Length Portraits
When taking a full-length portrait, hold the camera near to hip height. That way the person will be proportional from head to toe.
9. Use Your Apps
We have so many incredible apps at our disposal, take some time to learn what they do and how to use them. Apps like Snapseed are excellent at editing smartphone images on the go, with selective adjustments meaning minor changes can be made to exposure, contrast and colour in the most specific of areas.
10. Don't Over-Edit
Yes, use the tools at your disposal but approach with caution. Too much and it can look like a student project. We all have an idea of what we'd like to look like but let's be honest, no one has a completely flat pancake face. If you must use Facetune, make the adjustments as subtle as possible. My preference is using light (see above) and angles to create a flattering image, rather than fixing after the image has been taken.