Everyone should take more selfies. Why? Firstly, I can only address the woman’s perspective because I don’t understand anyone else’s.
Before social media took off, before 2003, I used to take self-portraits with my disposable camera, then my crappy phone camera, and I still do them to this day. There will be some who believe that a selfie is silly, conceited, or egotistical. Well, it can be, if it’s coming from a place of conceit. It can also be a great source of expression, self-love, body or face positivity, and documenting yourself in a way you feel most beautiful.
Self-portraits, aka selfies, have been around for so long. They’ve been the subject of paintings and have been the source of some photographers entire careers. For example, Francesca Woodman made some of the most expressive and artistic self-portraits I’ve ever seen. And Vivian Maier has beautifully documented herself through reflections as she was out and about capturing everyday life. Lastly, Van Gogh probably created one of the most famous self-portraits in the art world and he painted a total of 30 self-portraits.
Fast forward and now you can find an entire Instagram account dedicated to advanced selfies. It’s pretty awesome and you should check them out. Even the iconic Iman participates in #SelfieSunday.
I believe taking selfies also prepares you for your portrait shoot. You already know what you like, your favorite features, and maybe you’re a little more comfortable in front of the camera.
Why do I take selfies? Well, I’ve always took them in the past to see what others saw and to document myself throughout the years. I remember my Mom saying that she wished she had more photos of herself. As I got older it was for artistic purposes. Now it’s for art, for love, and I really look like my Mother. So, it’s pretty interesting to see a loved one who has passed in your own face.
So, I say, keep snapping and go document yourself despite the naysayers. Sometimes you just feel cute.
