As many as 92 million selfies are taken globally every day, accounting for 4 percent of all photos taken. And what better way than National Selfie Day on June 21 to refresh tips for taking a good selfie. Whether you want to stand out from the crowd or want to capture your best side, UScellular offers easy-to-follow tips to help elevate your shots.
Today, 95 percent of youth report taking selfies, 63 percent of people aged 35-54 also take selfies, and even 44 percent of adults 55 and over can’t resist taking one.
“We love to see the different ways people use their smartphones, and selfies have become a way for people to express themselves, capturing big and small moments in life,” said Kyle Burbine, director of sales and operations for UScellular in New England. “As smartphones become more advanced, people have taken their photography skills to the next level, capturing even more memories. The most important thing to remember is to just be yourself and smile.”
UScellular shares the following best practices to optimize your selfie skills:
· Face a light source — Natural light is the best and most-flattering light for photos, according to Backlight. If you don’t have natural light, make sure you are in a well-lit room and face the light source for the best results.
· Avoid your flash — Stay away from the flash. Using a flash only highlights the center of the subject and doesn’t brighten the entire scene. For a selfie, this may mean the center of your face is overexposed and you may end up with red eye.
· Play with different camera angles — Start by keeping the camera slightly up and facing down towards your face, instead of directly in front of you head on. It helps to tilt your chin down a bit too. Try several angles until you find one you like.
· Try portrait mode — Selfies can be used for more than just social media. If you’re financially strapped for a professional headshot or need a new LinkedIn profile picture, a selfie could be the answer. Most cameras have a portrait mode that blurs the background and focuses on the subject, delivering a professional looking photo.
· Use filters and editing sparingly — Filters can be a lot of fun, but only use them when they enhance an image and don’t detract from the content. Same goes with editing. While a few tricks can take your selfie to the next level, it’s not necessary to over-edit. Top photo editing apps include Adobe Photoshop Express Photo Editor, Afterlightand InShot.
· Upgrade your device — Phone manufacturers recognize the importance of a good front-facing camera as they improve each smartphone model. The latest smart devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S25 Series or Apple iPhone 16 include advanced cameras that elevate selfies.
UScellular is the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to help customers stay connected to the things that matter most. The Chicago-based carrier provides a strong, reliable network supported by the latest technology and offers a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. Through its After School Access Project, the company has donated more than $30 million in hotspots and service to help youth connect to reliable internet. To learn more about UScellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, visit newsroom.uscellular.com.
