Where to Look When Taking a Selfie and Other Helpful Self-Shooting Tips!
Let’s talk about selfies! I’ve said it before, photos are the most important part of your adoption profile book! Selfies are no exception. With more people taking their own photos these days, here are some simple tips and tricks to help you capture great self-shot images.
Use a Tripod
A tripod is one of the best tools you can buy for self-shooting. It stabilizes your camera, frees your hands, and gives you flexibility in framing your shot. Many tripods also come with a remote shutter, which is far easier than rushing to beat a 10-second timer. Having that extra control makes it easier to relax and capture natural expressions.
Use the Rear Camera
If you’re taking photos yourself, always use the rear-facing camera instead of the front-facing one. The rear camera captures nearly double the image quality, which makes a huge difference for print. Portrait mode can also give you sharper, more polished photos.
Of course, using the rear camera makes it harder to see yourself while shooting, which is where a tripod and a few tricks come in handy:
Set up your tripod and mount your phone using the regular (rear) camera.
Place a mirror behind your phone so you can check framing and lighting. Don’t stare at the mirror—just use it as a tool to make sure you’re centered in the shot and that the focus looks good.
Look directly at the lens when it’s time to take the photo. This helps you make eye contact with the viewer, which creates a sense of connection.
Trigger the shutter remotely by using voice activation (check your camera settings), a small remote that you can hide in your hand, or your phone’s timer (up to 10 seconds on iPhone). These tools give you a moment to relax into position and smile naturally.
Make Eye Contact
Eye contact is one of the most powerful ways to connect with the reader of your profile. When taking selfies, it’s tempting to look at the phone screen where you see yourself, but resist the urge. Instead, look directly at the small lens at the top of your phone. This subtle shift helps your photos feel more engaging and personal.
Add Good Lighting
Lighting makes or breaks a photo. The front-facing camera especially struggles in low light, so a ring light is a worthwhile investment. Ring lights create even, flattering light and make your photos look more professional. You can find affordable options on Amazon or at big-box retailers. Choose one that fits your space and setup.
Natural light is also your friend. If possible, take your photos near a large window or step outside during the “golden hour” (the hour after sunrise or before sunset) when the light is soft and warm.
Skip the Editing Apps
It can be tempting to run your selfies through apps like FaceTune, but editing apps export your photos in web-sized files, not print-sized ones. This means your images may look fine on screen but end up grainy, dark, or blurry in print. Stick with high-quality originals, and let your authentic self shine through.
The takeaway: With a few simple tools and techniques—like using the rear camera, making eye contact, and investing in a tripod or ring light—you can dramatically improve your self-shot photos. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s authenticity, warmth, and connection.
Your selfies don’t just fill a page. They tell your story, and they can be the detail that helps an expectant parent feel drawn to you.
