Find what you are looking for

or search by

Topics

Article
Article

Article

e-Book
e-Book

e-Book

Video
Video

Video

Campaigns
Campaigns

Campaigns

Architecture
Compact Cameras

Compact Cameras

Architecture
DSLRs

DSLRs

Architecture
Videography

Videography

Architecture
Astrophotography

Astrophotography

Architecture
Mirrorless Cameras

Mirrorless Cameras

Architecture
Architecture Photography

Architecture Photography

Architecture
Canon Technologies

Canon Technologies

Architecture
Low Light Photography

Low Light Photography

Architecture
Photographer Interviews

Photographer Interviews

Architecture
Landscape Photography

Landscape Photography

Architecture
Macro Photography

Macro Photography

Architecture
Sports Photography

Sports Photography

Architecture
Travel Photography

Travel Photography

Architecture
Underwater Photography

Underwater Photography

Architecture
Photography Concepts & Application

Photography Concepts & Application

Architecture
Street Photography

Street Photography

Architecture
Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras

Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras

Architecture
Lenses & Accessories

Lenses & Accessories

Architecture
Nature & Wildlife Photography

Nature & Wildlife Photography

Architecture
Portrait Photography

Portrait Photography

Architecture
Night Photography

Night Photography

Architecture
Pet Photography

Pet Photography

Architecture
Printing Solutions

Printing Solutions

Architecture
Product Reviews

Product Reviews

Architecture
Wedding Photography

Wedding Photography

Tips & Tutorials >> All Tips & Tutorials

[Part 1] Achieve Large Bright Eyes in Your Selfies!

2014-02-13
5
14.91 k
In this article:

Plagued by a constant "sleepy look" in your photos, even if you really have large, bright eyes? Here's how you can make them look big and bright in selfies using the 20° + 45° technique. (Reported by: Oliya T. Yabuta)

 

Avoid the front view. Use "20° + 45°" for an attractive shot

 

The basic way to take a "selfie" using a compact digital camera is to position the camera at "20° + 45°"! Doing so naturally makes the eyes appear bigger and brighter, and you'll look more attractive!

 

A common mistake in many of the poor self-portraits is illustrated in the bad example above. A front view of the face taken with the camera positioned at the eye level makes the eyes appear droopy. Also, by comparing with the good example, we can tell that the facial contour is not well-defined. To avoid such mistakes and make the eyes appear larger and brighter, use the "20° + 45°" technique.

The 20° + 45° Law

  • Position the camera "20°" higher than the face
  • Move the camera horizontally to the side by "45°"
 

First, with the camera held in your hand, stretch it out straight into the front. Next, lift your arm upward from this position by 20°. Make sure that the camera lens is facing you. Also, instead of lifting your chin, you should look into the camera with your eyes tilted upward. Doing so creates an up-from-under look, making the outline of the upper eyelid appear thicker, and the eyes would look bigger and brighter.
If the camera is only moved upward by 20°, this would create a deliberate impression. To make the photo turn out more natural, move the camera horizontally by 45°. Similarly, look into the camera by tilting your eyes upward instead of moving your chin. Shift your face slightly toward the camera to complete the pose, followed by pressing the shutter button. The result is a natural up-from-under look with a clear depiction of the upper eyelids, making the entire eye appear larger and brighter. At the same time, with the jawline visible, the chin also appears sharper.

 

Do not move your face together with the camera! Look into the camera by tilting your eyes instead of lifting your face. Finally, shift your face slightly toward the camera, and you are all camera-ready!

 
 

HINT: Hold a hand mirror together with the camera to adjust the angle of your face!

 

You can hold a compact hand mirror together with the camera when you are taking a selfie. Look for the angle at which the face appears sharp, and press the shutter button!

 
 
 
 
 
Oliya T. Yabuta

 

After his career with a TV production firm and a computer peripheral manufacturer in product planning and advertisement production, Yabuta became a writer and portrait photographer. He excels in writing commentaries that are beginner-friendly.
Web: http://www.yabuta.biz/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oliya.yabuta

 
 
Share your photos on My Canon Story & stand a chance to be featured on our social media platforms