The selfie.
For those of you that have not yet taken or encountered a selfie all you need is a mobile phone, yourself, a pout and a social media platform to post it. Oh and preferably a mirror, some abs and a splash of fake tan. As a nation we take over 30 million selfies every month with most people claiming to take a picture to remember a feeling or a place; whether it’s on holiday or before a night out or just to send to their friends for a laugh.
With so many people taking these selfies, why as a nation do we have such an issue with the way we look? With such a high number of these photographs being taken I wonder how many people would still persue this confidence when it comes to graduation photos, family portraits or professional head shots. How do so many post their selfie but shy away from other photos at significant events?
So why is the selfie so different? Why are people willing to neglect their insecurities and forget their self-consciousness when they’re in control of the lens? It’s exactly that! They’re in control. Everyone feels safe in the comfort of their own home, it’s the same principle. There’s no-one there to judge them, no-one to make them feel self-concious. As a photographer it becomes increasingly more difficult to take a flattering photograph of a client when they become so tense. This is why it is so important within this industry that whoever it is I am photographing feels completely at ease and relaxed. It is essential for me to have an understanding of what it is that you want from your photographer and the best way to do that is by having a good rapport with your photographer.
