Selfies: Think after you click, too 

While it’s important to “think before you click” or be wary before you post anything on social media, you should also “think after you click” your camera.

Many people just snap away, not thinking carefully if the photos they post will have repercussions on their personal and professional life.

According to an article on the Daily News, posting too many selfies can damage one’s personal relationships.

Citing a study by lead researcher Dr. David Houghton, the Daily News said, “That selfie habit of yours could be damaging your closest relationships. People who post a lot of photos on Facebook and other social networks run the risk of alienating friends, family members and colleagues, leading to less supportive bonds, a team of UK researchers found.”

An article on CNet says posting too many photos of yourself on Facebook implies that you’re a “weird person.”

Citing a study conducted by three British universities—the University of Birmingham, University West of England, and the University of Edinburgh—the report said frequent Facebook photo-posters "risk damaging real-life relationships."

The study, called Tagger’s Delight, said those who posted selfies frequently exhibited a decrease in intimacy with their loved ones.

Jess Weiner, Global Self-Esteem Ambassador for Dove and a social messaging strategist, said selfies can affect one’s self-esteem. “The pressure to be camera-ready can elevate self-esteem issues, with the pressure of commenting on posts and with the rise of social media. It has a more competitive aspect, and that can really put the pressure on.”

An article on Business News Daily said posting inappropriate photos can ruin one’s career.

Chris Dessi, founder and CEO of social media marketing firm Silverback Social, gave a practical tip on determining if the photo you posted is inappropriate or not: Think of your parents.

"If you are not comfortable with your mom or dad seeing it, get rid of it," he suggested.
Posting photos that may be deemed as “too sexy” may cost a person his job.

In the US, New York guidance counsellor Tiffani Webb, who also hosts an internet program called “Girl Talk NYC” was fired from her job in 2012 after posting photos of herself as a scantily-clad model.

Last year, 26-year-old firefighter Clare Deloughrey was fired after posting topless photos of herself in the shower.

But if you must insist

Despite the backlash, it seems the habit of posting selfies will be around for some time.

The key is learning how to post prudently.

Do not overwhelm your Facebook friends or Twitter followers with too many photos of yourself. How do you feel when you see others posting selfies? They might feel the same way when you post your pictures.

For those who want to look good in their selfies, professional photographer Riz Pulumbarit, who's been in the business for 25 years, said, “In having your photos taken, even for selfies, you first have to prepare yourself by checking yourself in the mirror—look for unwieldy hair strands, beads of sweat, uneven make-up, creased shirt, etc.”

“You can even rehearse your smile and pose in front of the mirror,” he added.

For group photos with family and friends, Riz suggested, “have a formal photo first. You can smile but avoid funny gestures.”

“Then have a wacky or fun photo afterwards. Make faces, do silly poses or even do a 'jump' shot. These photos are more spontaneous and show a lighter side,” he added.

Riz, however, stated it is wrong to post inappropriate photos of oneself or others.

“Photos that compromise—which show skimpy clothing, awkward or embarrassing situations like people getting drunk—should be kept to yourself and not posted on Facebook,” he said.

“Avoid showing photos which could give away sensitive information about yourself, your family or your job. Do not show photos of your exact address, personal possessions like jewelry or cash, sensitive company documents, and vacation plans,” he added.

Food trip

During gatherings of family or friends, many people pause to take photos of the food they’re about to take even before saying grace.

An article on the Conde Nast Traveler website said one of the most annoying things people do on Twitter is posting photos of their “fabulous meals.”

A Huffington Post article rated as annoying “individuals who like to remind you what they ate for breakfast/lunch/dinner/dessert and every other thing in between.”

If you want to share food photos on rare occasions, remember this tip from Riz: “Soft, indirect light makes food look great in photos.”

“Use light coming from a window. You can also bounce light from your DSLR flash onto the ceiling or wall. Use a tripod so you can compose your shot easily,” he said.

“Find a nice angle, usually at around eye level with the food. You can spray water on fruits and vegetables to make them look fresh. Steam coming out of food like rice, soup and viands also looks great,” he added.

Some people also like to post photos of their cats or dogs; these are usually popular among Facebook friends (incidentally, this is how Grumpy Cat’s fame began).

Riz urges patience in taking photos of pets. “Unless they are highly-trained, you cannot command them to pose. Make your camera handy. Your pet might suddenly have a cute moment worthy of a photo,” he said.

“A telephoto lens for DSLRs or the telephoto setting of your digicam or smartphone can help take candid photos of your pets from afar. Take lots of photos so you could choose from them and delete the rest,” he added. — VC/TJD, GMA News