Social networking sites have been swamped with photos of unusual ‘after-sex seflies’.
What was once considered vain, conceited and self-obsessive is currently one of the most prominent trends. From celebrities to teenagers and parents, the selfie ‘hype’ has become a universal craze.
Anyone with a smartphone, tablet or almost any device with a camera should be accustomed to taking selfies at any chance they get. The DIY approach to taking pictures behind amazing views or group photos is the way forward according to the latest trend.
Is there something in a photographer’s frame that a selfie cannot capture in a single snap? It seems as though the sentimental value of selfies is what makes people reminisce over the moments they have captured by themselves.
Jas, a local from Birmingham spoke to us about her perception on selfies: “I think they are quite personal to begin with.
“Selfies are very different to any other photos because you know you have captured that very moment yourself. It’s like your own art!”
The increasing trend in selfies has taken the world by storm: with a song dedicated entirely to the sudden craze by girl band, The Chainsmokers; and its entry into the Oxford English dictionary, it has definitely achieved the title as ‘Word of the Year’ (2013).
According to The Guardian, it is believed that the word originated from Australia. But with Hollywood and Bollywood celebrities uploading ‘selfies’ on Instagram and Facebook, it is clear to see how quickly it has become a worldwide phenomenon. We are now all familiar with the popular phrase, ‘But first, let me take a Selfie’.
Actress Nargis Fakhri admits: “Selfies have definitely taken over from autographs, and I think, it’s kind of fun and cool, I like it, I am all about selfies.”
Before the concept of ‘selfies’ was universally known it did exist as a way of improvising in the absence of a photographer. Camera timers and all of those arm stretching moments to fit as many people into the picture were the less obvious selfie moments that we can remember. So why the sudden craze?
We asked student Parv who thought that the ‘selfie’s’ rise to fame was down to the fact that it had been given a name: “I think people became more aware of it because a name had finally been given to the act. Before it would’ve been just taking a picture of yourself or being vain.
“I think like with other acts like the whole craze about ‘twerking’ and even like slang words once it has been given a name it becomes more popular.”
It’s important to note that selfies are a lot more than taking photos of oneself. There is an array of selfies uploaded on social networking sites, from funny face selfies to intimate and personal selfies.
The 2014 Oscars is where the most infamous selfie moment took place. It is the most retweeted selfie ever and includes some famous faces such as Ellen DeGeneres — who posted the photo on her Twitter account, Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper to name a few.
Bollywood also got onto the selfie hype at the IIFA’s where the likes of Shahid Kapoor attempted to recreate the Oscar selfie with a flurry of B-town celebs as well as Kevin Spacey and John Travolta. The Indian stars are not too shy of their phone cameras either and we regularly see the likes of Priyanka Chopra and Alia Bhatt post up new pics of themselves on their travels.
Just as you thought it could not get any more bizarre, the selfie generation has reached an all new high. Social networking sites have been swamped with photos of unusual ‘after-sex seflies’.
Celebrities like Miley Cyrus and leaked selfies of Wilmer Valderrama in bed with Demi Lovato have been shared on Instagram and other sites. And as expected the latest craze trended all around the world, teenagers have been following in the footsteps of celebrities by posting their own versions of after-sex selfies.
We asked a frequent Instagram user what he thought about after-sex selfies. Ahmed says: “I think the whole thing is a bit ridiculous to begin with. But it’s a trend so people are most likely to follow. In a few months there will be something else!”
Selfies are obviously the in-thing right now, but many people don’t get it right first time. It’s important to know how to take the right selfie if you want to keep up with the trend.
So how do you take a great selfie? DESIblitz reveals some selfie tips:
- Lighting is Key: Famous supermodel Miranda Kerr believes that the lighting is important when taking a selfie. Harper’s Bazaar also insists that there must be natural light which should be in front of you, not behind.
- The Perfect Angle: The camera must be positioned correctly in order to capture the best photo. It’s probably best to make the camera face down.
- Filters: If you cannot get the right lighting then filters are the next best thing, not only do they add those special effects but they also make highlight your facial features.
Whether you are a fan of selfies or not, the trend is not likely to stop any time soon. So get your cameras out and get snapping and sharing — it’s the way to go!