Taking a great selfie with a friend can be tricky. You want to capture the fun you’re having together, but you also want to look good. The key is finding flattering poses that showcase both of your best features. Follow these tips on angles, body positioning, expressions and more to master the art of taking epic friend selfies.
Consider the Angle
One of the most important things when posing for a selfie with a friend is finding a flattering angle. Here are some angle tips to ensure you both look your best:
- Avoid shooting straight on, as this can distort facial features. Instead, position the camera slightly above eye level.
- Turn your body at an angle toward each other rather than standing straight forward. This creates a more dynamic, interesting shot.
- Have the taller friend stand further back so you’re at the same height. This prevents one person from looking larger or distorted.
- Take some shots angled from above for a slimming effect. But don’t overdo it or it will look unnatural.
- Mix up angles – take some from above, others more at eye level. Variety gives you more options for choosing the most flattering selfies.
Play around with angling yourself higher or lower or turning your bodies until you find the most complementary angles for you and your friend. The right angle can make a huge difference!
Pose Your Bodies Strategically
How you position your bodies also impacts how you look in a friend selfie. Follow these tips on posing your bodies:
- Turn slightly toward each other and lean in close rather than standing side-by-side looking straight ahead. This creates a more intimate, friendly vibe.
- Stagger your bodies by having one person stand further back. This adds depth to the photo.
- Have the shorter friend stand on something (like a curb or step) to even out heights. Or bend your knees to lower yourself if needed.
- Experiment with bolder poses like putting your arms around each other. But don’t force it if it feels unnatural.
- Mirror each other’s body language – for example, both tilting your heads the same way. Mimicking builds coordination.
- Avoid posing with drinks or food, as these can be distracting and cover your faces. Focus on your friendship!
Varying your body positions lets you accentuate different features and adds visual interest to your selfies. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
Perfect Your Facial Expressions
The most important part of any selfie is your face! Make sure your expressions are on point for selfies with the following tips:
- Smile naturally rather than forcing a fake “selfie smile.” A relaxed, authentic smile always looks better.
- Avoid opening your eyes and mouth super wide, as this distorts facial features.
- Follow the “squinch” technique – slightly squinting your eyes and tightening your chin. This is highly flattering for selfies!
- Cock your head at a slight angle rather than facing straight ahead. And tilt toward each other rather than away.
- Have fun with silly or excited expressions if it matches your vibe. Play around until a natural, fun pose emerges.
- Take some shots looking away from the camera to mix things up. These can create a candid, intriguing mood.
The way you arrange your facial features impacts how you look. Try varied expressions until you get that perfect, natural selfie smile.
Find Flattering Lighting
Lighting can make or break a selfie. Be mindful of your light source when posing:
- Outdoor light often works best, as it’s diffused and even. Position yourself facing the sun.
- If indoors, stand near a window for natural light. Or position a ring light in front for a flattering glow.
- Avoid overhead lighting, like from harsh ceiling fixtures. This casts unflattering shadows.
- Backlighting from a source behind you can silhouette your features. Turn to find more favorable front lighting.
- Take test shots and move around to improve the lighting. Pay attention to shadows and squinting.
- Adjust camera settings like flash and exposure to get the right brightness level.
The quality and direction of light impacts the look of your selfies. Check for unflattering shadows and squinting, and shift positions until the lighting complements you and your friend.
Use Props and Backgrounds Intentionally
Adding props or selecting interesting backgrounds can take your friend selfies to the next level. But choose carefully based on the vibe you want:
- Have a prop like sunglasses, hats or other accessories that reflect your style. But avoid letting props cover your faces or distract.
- Incorporate cheeky handwritten signs or notes featuring inside jokes. This adds a touch of personality.
- Pose in front of murals, graffiti walls or scenic backdrops that complement your look.
- Avoid cluttered or distracting backgrounds that take the focus away from you two.
- Use props sparingly – the emphasis should stay on your friendship and energy together.
- Make sure any signage isn’t backwards! Review your pic to double check.
When used intentionally, props and backgrounds can make your selfie more creative and convey your unique friendship. But don’t let them overwhelm the subject – you!
Take Lots of Shots
To increase your chances of capturing amazing friend selfies, take lots of photos! Don’t just take one and call it done.
- Burst mode is great for selfies – hold down the shutter and it will rapid-fire pics.
- Tell jokes, chat and move around to create natural expressions between shots.
- Vary your poses and angles with each batch. Move closer, further, higher, etc.
- Check results after each batch and adjust as needed – change angles, expressions, etc.
- As you review, delete outtakes and save only the best shots showing you both at your finest.
- Taking a high volume gives you more great shots to choose from later.
Don’t settle for just a few selfies. Snapping a bunch allows you to fully explore different options and maximize outstanding results.
Edit Thoughtfully
Once you’ve taken a variety of fantastic friend selfies, you can use editing to polish them to perfection:
- Apps like Facetune let you smooth skin, adjust lighting levels, change backgrounds and more.
- But avoid overediting – you want to look natural. Use a light hand with retouching.
- Edit you and your friend evenly. Don’t heavily smooth or change one person while leaving the other untouched.
- Enhance color, brightness and contrast to make your image pop.
- Carefully review edits and make sure they look realistic and represent you both authentically.
- Keep favorite originals untouched in case you want unedited versions later.
Subtle editing can take your selfies to the next level. But don’t sacrifice authenticity – aim to enhance, not drastically alter, your images.
Conclusion
Taking incredible selfies with a friend requires strategy – from flattering angles to perfect poses, lighting, backgrounds and editing. But the most important tip? Have fun! A genuine, joyful connection will shine through. After snapping up a storm, laugh over your shots together later and choose the ones that authentically capture your special bond. With practice, you’ll be selfie pros in no time!