... Read moreHey Lemon8 fam! So, who else loves a good selfie to break up the workday? I've been experimenting a lot with different angles lately, and I've totally fallen in love with the 'upward selfie.' You know, those shots where you're looking slightly up at the camera? It might sound a bit unconventional, but trust me, it can create some really flattering and unique photos, especially when you're trying to capture that professional-yet-approachable vibe in an office setting.
I used to struggle with selfies at work, feeling like they always looked a bit stiff or just 'meh.' But then I started playing around with looking slightly upwards, and it made such a difference! For me, with my short curly hair and black glasses, this angle really works wonders. It can highlight your jawline, give your face a softer look, and even make your eyes pop, especially if you catch the light just right. Plus, it’s a brilliant way to subtly include more of your professional environment without making it the main focus.
Here are my top tips for nailing your own upward work selfies, whether you’re at your desk or taking a quick break:
Find Your Angle (and the Light!): This is crucial. Instead of holding your phone directly in front, try holding it slightly above your eye level and then looking up into the lens. Don't crane your neck too much – a subtle tilt of your head and gaze upwards is usually enough. Pay attention to the light; natural light from a window is always a winner. If you're relying on overhead office lighting, sometimes looking slightly up helps diffuse those shadows that can appear under your eyes or chin. I've found that facing towards an office ceiling background can sometimes provide a soft, even light if there are diffuse overhead lights.
Mind Your Background: Even though the focus is on you, a messy background can ruin the shot. I always try to keep my workspace tidy, or at least position myself so that the background is clean and professional. Sometimes, you can even catch interesting reflections in your glasses, like a subtle red 'EXIT' sign from across the room, which adds a unique touch without being distracting.
Outfit & Accessories Play a Role: What you're wearing can totally elevate your selfie. I often wear a light-colored top and jacket, which helps brighten the photo and keeps the focus on my face. Your accessories, like my black glasses, become part of your personal brand in the photo. Don't be afraid to let them shine!
Expression is Everything: For an upward selfie, a natural, relaxed expression works best. A slight smile or even a hint of a smile with your mouth slightly open, as if you're about to speak or have just shared a thought, can make the photo feel more authentic and engaging. Avoid a forced grin; think 'confident and thoughtful.'
Quick Edit, Big Difference: You don't need fancy software. A quick brightness adjustment, a little contrast boost, and maybe a subtle filter on your phone can make your upward selfie really pop. I usually just use the built-in editing tools or a simple Lemon8 filter to enhance the colors and make everything look a bit more polished.
Experimenting with the upward selfie has made my work-day photos so much more fun and dynamic. It’s a small change that can make a big impact on how your selfies look and feel. Go ahead, give it a try during your next coffee break! I’d love to see your upward selfie masterpieces – share your tips below!
okay skinnnn🤩🤩