How to take great selfies for men: 4 simple tips for natural and attractive photos.

Many guys feel a little shy about taking selfies with their phones; the feeling of "not being used to it" is very common. But the good news is that anyone can take great selfies—you just need to know the right angle, how to utilize the lighting, and maintain a natural expression. This article will help you quickly understand common selfie mistakes and how to fix them immediately. If you're looking for ways to take great selfies for men to look more stylish, confident, and get great photos every time, then this is the most practical and easy-to-apply guide for you.

Tip 1: Prepare the lighting and background for male selfies.

Step 1: Choose indirect lighting to make your face look bright and natural in the photo.

• Stand in a location where the light is soft and comes from the side , avoiding direct or rear lighting as this can easily cause glare or darkness on your face.

• When taking photos outdoors, position the sun to the side , avoiding direct sunlight in your eyes or behind you. This simple tip helps men get clearer and sharper selfies.

• When indoors, choose a bright window and stand close to it, so your face is almost parallel to the glass. Natural light helps your skin tone look more natural and minimizes unpleasant shadows.

Prioritize natural light whenever possible.

• Natural light typically provides consistent brightness, accurate skin tone, and minimal noise.

• Artificial lighting can cause skin tone to be uneven or reduce sharpness, but it can still be used if you know how to adjust it.

Make use of artificial light when it gets dark.

• If you only have artificial lighting, find a soft light source shining from one side to create depth in your face.

• Shooting at night usually requires a few tries, but it's still possible to produce beautiful photos if you hold the camera steady and choose an angle with the right lighting.

Flexible depending on the shooting space.

• Whether you're in a restaurant, school, or office, take advantage of any available light source.

• By simply adjusting your standing position so your face is properly illuminated, you can easily take a great selfie for men even in imperfect lighting conditions.

Step 2: Choose brightly colored clothing to make your selfies brighter and more appealing.

• When at home and preparing to take a selfie, choose brightly colored or accented clothing , as all-dark colors can easily make the photo look flat and unremarkable.

• Light, bright colors help men's faces look more natural in photos, while also creating a lively feel to the image.

Opt for a white shirt when you want a simple style.

• A clean, wrinkle-free white T-shirt is always a safe choice.

• White tones help brighten the skin and are suitable when you want to take minimalist, natural-looking photos.

If you're unsure, choose patterns and colors that are easy to mix and match.

• Plain polo shirts or those with subtle patterns are stable choices that easily suit many face shapes and are suitable when men want to take quick but still look good selfies.

Keep the dark colors if the goal is to showcase the outfit.

• If you're looking to take a selfie to show off your black suit , dark costume, or outfit and want to keep the style consistent without adding bright colors.

• In this case, the outfit itself is the focal point, and you just need to ensure there's enough lighting to highlight its features.

Step 3: Quickly check your hair and overall facial features before taking the photo.

• Use a mirror or open the front camera to check if your hair, face, and overall appearance are neat.

• If your hair is a little tangled, just gently smooth it with your hands or brush it quickly to get it back in place.

• You don't necessarily need wax or gel if you don't want to style your hair; just being neat is enough to look good in photos and feel more confident.

Check your outfit to avoid any minor mistakes when appearing on camera.

• Inspect your clothes before taking the photo to detect any stains, blemishes , or wrinkles that might be easily visible in the picture.

• This is a simple step that helps men take clean, polished selfies without spending a lot of time.

Take care of your beard and hair if you're at home and have the time.

• If your beard is growing out of shape or the outline isn't neat, shave or trim quickly to make your face look brighter and sharper in photos.

• A clean-shaven or neatly trimmed beard can help male selfies look more professional and appealing.

Tip 2: Selfie angles for men that make their faces look slimmer.

Step 1: Take a selfie in front of a mirror to show off your outfit naturally.

• Stand in front of a mirror when you want to show off your outfit and need to see your whole body clearly.

• Hold the phone slightly below your chin and tilt it slightly to the side so that both your face and outfit are fully visible in the frame.

• This type of selfie is suitable when you're dressed smartly and want to capture your overall style.

Avoid taking photos in spaces that create an unpleasant atmosphere.

• Avoid taking selfies in the bathroom , especially where the shower curtain or toilet is easily visible, as the background image can detract from the overall impression.

• If the space isn't clearly a bathroom and the floor is clean, you can still take the picture, but you should check before pressing the shutter button.

Pose naturally to make the photo look confident and less awkward.

• To avoid having your hands idle, you can put your free hand in your pocket for a more comfortable and purposeful look.

• Maintain an upright posture, relax your shoulders, and stand at a slight angle for a more flattering and natural-looking photo.

Step 2: Stand slightly tilted and keep your back straight for a beautiful and confident close-up photo.

• When preparing to take a close-up selfie, raise the camera and slowly adjust it to see which angle makes your face look brightest and most balanced.

• Stand up straight to project confidence; avoid slouching or hunching over, as this can make photos look less appealing.

• Tilt your body slightly , not facing the camera directly. This helps create depth in your face, making it look more natural and avoiding the stiff feeling often associated with official document photos.

Choose an angle that matches your hairstyle to optimize your facial features.

• If your hair is parted to the side, turn your body towards the side where your hair is parted .

• This helps highlight the hairstyle and create a balanced composition when taking close-up selfies for men.

Maintain good posture even while sitting.

• If you're at an event, a cafe, or somewhere where it's difficult to stand up, move your body forward in your chair .

• Straighten your spine and slightly open your shoulders to create a neater pose and a brighter complexion for the photo.

Step 3: Slightly adjust the head position to avoid the neck appearing too large in the photo.

• In most cases, the neck appearing large or resembling a "double chin" in selfies is due to an unsuitable head angle and lighting , not your actual appearance.

• When taking the photo, lower your head very slightly , only about 2–3 cm, so that the jawline is more defined and the light doesn't create shadows under the neck.

Push your chin forward slightly to make the lines more defined.

• Slightly pushing your chin forward will help separate your neck and chin, creating a slimmer look in photos.

• Make only slight adjustments, maintaining a natural posture so that your face remains relaxed and not stiff.

Step 4: Hold the camera at eye level or slightly higher to get a better shot of your face.

• When taking selfies for men, the easiest position to get a good angle is at eye level or slightly above eye level .

• Holding the camera slightly higher will help reduce shadows under the chin , minimizing the appearance of a thick neck or "double chin" caused by the shooting angle.

• You can also lower the camera a little, as long as you keep your chin slightly down and your neck looking slim when you're on camera.

Avoid placing the camera too high or too low to prevent distorting facial angles.

• If you hold your phone too high , the angle will look unnatural and make your head appear smaller than your body.

• If positioned too low, especially near waist level, the photo often looks unbalanced and can easily make the face appear larger or heavier.

• Practical principle: slightly high is aesthetically pleasing – too high looks odd; slightly low is acceptable – too low creates the wrong angle .

Try different angles to find the right style.

• Each shooting angle will evoke a different emotion:

  • Slightly elevated angle: bright, youthful, slims the face.

  • Horizontal angle: natural, realistic.

  • Slightly low angle: strong, individualistic (but must control their chin).

• There's no absolute right or wrong. Try it a few times to see which angle makes you feel most confident and stylish.

Step 5: Choose a clean background to make the photo look cleaner and more professional.

• Once you've settled on a stable angle, look back at the frame to see if any clutter, a messy desk, or an unmade bed is visible in the background.

• If so, turn your body or adjust the camera angle so the background looks clean, bright, and doesn't distract attention. A clean background makes selfies for men look more refined and trustworthy.

Prioritize simple backgrounds that have a focal point.

• Exposed brick walls, a wall painting, or a brightly colored corner can all create a sense of neatness.

• These backgrounds help to highlight the face and clothing without making the photo look cluttered.

Avoid lying on the bed if your goal is to take a good photo with a clear view of your face.

• Taking selfies while lying down might be suitable if you want to create a comfortable, casual feel, but the lying angle often doesn't flatter your features and can easily make your face look unbalanced.

• If you want a beautiful, clear, and easy-to-see photo, choose a sitting or standing pose with a clean background.

Step 6: Take advantage of beautiful scenery when taking selfies outdoors or while out and about.

• When traveling, attending events, or strolling around, turn your body so that you have interesting details behind you, such as the sea, a pedestrian street, a stage, or a characteristic scene of the place you are visiting.

• Divide the frame appropriately: you occupy about half of the frame , leaving the rest for the background. This helps viewers clearly see where you are having fun, while still keeping you as the main character.

Create depth in your photos by subtly changing your pose.

• Lean back slightly and hold the phone at a slight angle to create a more dynamic feel in the photo, preventing it from appearing "static."

• This pose helps highlight both you and the background, especially useful when you want to showcase a beautiful sea view, a VIP seat at a concert, or a memorable moment from your trip.

Tip 3: Natural expressions when taking male selfies.

Step 1: Look slightly away from the camera to create a natural and captivating expression.

• If you want a selfie that looks pensive, sophisticated, or slightly mysterious , look slightly away from the camera instead of looking straight ahead.

• Looking slightly upwards creates a feeling of optimism and openness; looking slightly downwards gives a calm, masculine vibe.

• Accompanying this with a slight smile , a subtle raised eyebrow , or a relaxed facial expression creates a delicate and natural look.

Maintain the correct camera angle so as not to obscure the face.

• Turn your head only slightly , avoid turning too much so that only one side of your cheek is visible in the photo.

• The goal is to maintain a natural composition, still clearly showing facial features but creating the feeling that you are in a moment of contemplation or engrossed in something interesting.

Step 2: Look directly into the camera to project confidence and attract attention.

• If you want to convey confidence, strength, or a touch of playfulness , look directly into the camera lens , not the screen.

• When looking at a screen, the eyes tend to shift slightly downward, causing a loss of connection with the image. However, when looking directly into the lens, the viewer will feel as if you are looking straight at them.

Create a sense of intimacy and initiative within the frame.

• Looking directly into the camera creates a highly engaging photo, perfect for making an impression or sending a selfie with a confident vibe.

• This pose also shows that you are comfortable in front of the camera , something many men are often hesitant about when taking selfies.

Maintain a natural expression so the photo doesn't look strained.

• Relax your facial muscles, keep your eyes slightly open, and you can smile gently to increase your attractiveness.

• The goal is to create the feeling that you are connecting directly with the audience, rather than "acting."

Step 3: Add subtle expressions to make your selfie look more appealing and expressive.

• A slight smile or a subtle raise of the eyebrow can help you appear friendly, open, and full of positive energy.

• If you want a smooth, elegant look, smile with your lips slightly closed .

• If you want a brighter and more approachable look, slightly parting your lips to reveal your teeth will create a genuine and cheerful feeling.

• Raising one eyebrow is also a way to express playfulness or curiosity, adding a natural touch to the photo.

Maintain a deliberate expression to avoid the photo looking bland.

• You don't have to smile or raise your eyebrows, but you should have some expression so the photo reflects your personality.

• Avoid having a blank or expressionless face, as this can make photos less appealing and less likely to make an impression.

Avoid unnatural-looking poses.

• Avoid excessive lip-puckering, also known as the "duck-face," unless you're intentionally creating a funny or satirical image.

• Good selfies for men usually prioritize subtle, natural, and genuine expressions .

Step 4: Create a squinting or half-smile expression to add a touch of mystery.

• If you want to create a strong, mysterious, or slightly mischievous vibe , subtly squint your eyes and slightly lower your eyebrows.

• You can also curl one corner of your mouth to create a mischievous look, mixed with a touch of confidence and allure.

• This type of expression is suitable for nighttime selfies , or when you want to convey the message "I have something interesting to say".

Maintain a moderate level of expression so that it doesn't look forced.

• Just squint and furrow your brows slightly , avoiding overdoing it to the point where you look stressed or like you're squinting because of the sun.

• Similarly, a half-smile should be subtle to maintain a natural look and avoid appearing artificial.

Step 5: Add simple hand gestures to make the photo radiate positive energy.

• If you feel your selfie looks a bit "stiff" or lacks focus, use your hand to make a slight gesture to make the photo more lively and friendly.

• You can make a peace sign , wave your hand , or give a thumbs-up to convey a feeling of joy and closeness.

• This is the quickest way to add personality without changing the camera angle or facial expression too much.

Choose gestures that suit the style you want to express.

• For something more fun, try finger guns .

• Want to be strong? Raise your fist in a "power to the people" gesture.

• Want something a bit edgy and rebellious? The pinky + index finger rock style is also a fun option.

Maintain natural posture so the photo doesn't look awkward.

• Just place your hand within the frame at a moderate distance, avoiding bringing it too close to the camera, which might make your hand look unusually large.

• The goal is to create the feeling that you are interacting with the viewer, rather than posing excessively.

Step 6: Create a humorous style to show your playful and relaxed personality.

• If you're in a good mood, don't hesitate to make funny faces to give your selfie a unique personality.

• You can open your mouth, stick out your tongue , make a funny "angry" face with a clenched fist, roll your eyes , or create a mustache by drawing a mustache shape with your finger and then bringing it to your nose.

• These poses help to convey a natural, relaxed vibe and show viewers that you're not taking yourself too seriously.

Funny selfies that show genuine confidence.

• Many people think that silly hairstyles will make them look "weird," but in reality, it shows that you are comfortable, confident, and living true to your emotions .

• A humorous photo can sometimes create a stronger positive impression than a serious one, especially when you want to convey positive energy or make viewers laugh.

Keep it natural so the photo remains appealing.

• Even if you're going for a funny pose, do it in moderation so the photo doesn't go overboard.

• Most importantly, it's about capturing your true mood — when you're genuinely happy, the photo will be more natural and full of emotion.

Tip 4: Take and edit handsome male selfies

Step 1: Take multiple shots to increase your chances of getting the best selfie.

• Once the lighting, angle, and expression are right, take 5–10 consecutive shots to choose the best one.

• Taking multiple shots helps you avoid mistakes like closed eyes, shaky hands, or off-angle shots — common errors when taking selfies for men.

Optimize your shooting technique to avoid shaky hands.

• If you find it difficult to press the on-screen shutter button, change the shutter button to the volume up/down buttons in your device's settings.

• This method helps you hold the camera more steadily and reduces camera shake, especially when shooting with one hand.

Get into the habit of taking many photos to choose the best one.

• Photographers often take a series of photos before selecting the best ones — the same applies to selfies.

• Once you get used to it, you'll easily find your best angle, the right gaze, and the most natural expression .

Step 2: Review the photos and try out new selfie styles to choose the best one.

• After taking a few shots, review all the photos to assess the angle, lighting, and expression.

• If the photo isn't quite right, change your expression , change the angle , or try a new style . Small changes often make a big difference to a great selfie for men.

• Don't rush; try a few more shots to have as many options as possible, just like photographers always take many pictures before choosing one.

Stay relaxed and don't be too hard on yourself.

• Many people find selfies "strange" because they're not used to seeing their face from that camera angle. This is perfectly normal.

• Take it easy and view selfies as an experiment to see different angles—not a judgment of your appearance.

• When you're relaxed, the photos will look much more natural and beautiful.

Step 3: Adjust the colors and use subtle filters to perfect your selfie before posting.

• Before sending or posting the photo on social media, review it and make minor edits to ensure the selfie looks more balanced.

• Use editing tools on your phone or an app like Instagram to see suitable filters . Choose a filter that brightens the photo, evens out the colors, but still maintains a natural look.

• If the image is slightly dark or too bright, increase or decrease the brightness . If the shadows are too strong, adjust the contrast to balance them out.

• Once you're satisfied, you can send the photo to your friends or post it on social media right away.

Prioritize subtle editing so the photo still looks natural.

• Filters should only be used sparingly , avoiding overuse which can make the image too vibrant or look "artificial".

• A well-edited photograph usually looks more professional and realistic.

Editing is not required if you prefer the original version.

• If you think the photo looks good and natural, you can post it right away without editing .

• The goal of a good selfie for men is to express their true personality and emotions .

Suggestions for popular and easy-to-use photo editing apps.

• Snapseed: offers highly flexible adjustments for brightness, color, and sharpness.

• VSCO: light, natural filters, suitable for minimalist style.

• Facetune: fine-tunes skin and minor details as needed.

• Pixlr and AirBrush: easy to use, many quick editing tools.

References

1. https://www.snappysnaps.co.uk/blog/how-to-take-good-selfies
2. https://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/tips-not-crap-facetime-article-1.2719109
3. https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/male-tinder-pictures-tips
4. https://www.glamour.com/story/secrets-of-really-photogenic-p
5. https://www.today.com/style/6-simple-tricks-instantly-look-better-any-photo-2D79505933
6. https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/10/15606498/how-to-take-the-perfect-selfie
7. https://www.gq.com/story/selfie-male-model-tips
8. https://www.facetuneapp.com/blog/how-to-take-better-selfies-a-guide-for-guys
9. https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/male-selfies-are-bad-im-here-to-help
10. https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2018/9/14/17827822/selfie-trends-men-male-facial-expression
11. https://www.eonline.com/news/444584/how-to-take-the-perfect-selfie-no-duckface
12. https://www.gq.com/story/selfie-male-model-tips
13. https://www.facetuneapp.com/blog/how-to-take-better-selfies-a-guide-for-guys

Translated by: Sidney Bailey Hoang .