How NOT to Take a Selfie

Oh, look at me... 

In a restroom (clearly)...

taking a photo of myself- looking at myself on my phone, taking a selfie of myself...

A typical photo on the internet these days:

What in the hell made this so wildly popular?! 

What is the point? Please, tell me.

It's stupid.  STOP IT!

No one wants to see a picture of anyone taking a picture of themselves looking at their phone.  

(Especially with a not-so-flattering background.)

It really makes me wonder if people know that the technology is already in these picture taking devices to take self portraits (front camera, hello...), as well as editing software (which can also be downloaded FREE or paid- for premium services & features).

One could also just turn the camera around to take a photo and look at the screen shot in the mirror, making sure to actually look at the camera lens when taking the shot.... 

Another typical photo on the internet these days:

Sideways Duckface. Eyes Up.
Looking a mess.
DRUNK!
(It was my birthday and I clearly overdid it.)
This is not flattering at all! Yet these types of photos are all over the internet.  I don't get it.


LOOK AT PHOTOS BEFORE SENDING OR POSTING THEM TO THE INTERNET!!!!

Thoroughly scan the photo for:

*A toilet*

This is disgusting.  Even if it is a clean toilet, I don't want to see it. No one does. (Yuck!) 

I mean, I understand there are some fabulous mirrors and lighting in restrooms, but come on!  No one needs to know where these "glamour shots" are taken.

*Piles of dirty clothes and/or garbage*

I'm all for IDGAF mode, occasionally,  but do you really want to show the world what a slob you truly are at home? 
Probably not.

Think about it.

*Illegal items*

I couldn't even say how many times I've come across photos that have drugs and/or drug paraphernalia, guns, stacks of money (everyone knows that dough wasn't earned by working a 9-5).  Either obvious or just happened to be sitting out and became part of photo evidence... 

Even if you personally feel that it should be legal, the fact remains, that it's not.

It is never a good idea to post a photo or video of anything illegal. 

*Person(s) that shouldn't have been*

I'm sure we all have had that friend that maybe said they were some place else, doing something else, or with someone they should not have been with.  And maybe didn't tell anyone else what was said...

The drama that could potentially start over a photo in a situation like this is endless, and could consume all parties involved.

Always ask for permission (and before posting any photos or videos of someone else.

*Other people, children and pets*

Maybe "Uncle Billy Bob" was adjusting himself or "Lil Susie" was picking her nose.  

Perhaps "Mr. Pooch" is taking a poo or humping "Ms. Puppy" in the background....

These things happen sometimes.  Typically, because it wasn't the original focus of the photo many people don't even notice and end up finding out from others after it was already posted (and potentially shared several times).  This is one of the main reasons it is so important to look before sharing.

*Body parts*

Be sure to look at yourself.  Your whole self, not just your pretty/handsome face.  

I'm talking: boob shots (transparent clothing or just popping out), double chin, back fat, front fat, arm fat, booty, man sac, crazy hair or makeup, etc...  

I'm not saying anyone should care what other people think about them, but at the very least, try to have some dignity.  

*Duckface*
Duck lips are not flattering or cute in most cases. 
Really.

Be aware of what you share, even through messages, as well as photos you allow your friends to take and/or post of you.  It is representing you to the World Wide Web.  The world is a very big place with many, MANY people that have internet access readily available in the palm of their hands.  

Remember, once it's on the web, it sticks. It can spread

like virtual wildfire,  and there's not really much that can be done about it after the fact.  

(Except maybe curl up in a ball, cry and feel stupid. Forever.)

REMEMBER: Don't be a fool, use the editing tool!

That's all for today's lesson on 'How NOT to take a selfie'.

Thanks for checking me out!  And feel free to stop by again, anytime.

 TTYL!