You just got home from your favorite nail salon and you could not be more pleased with the way your fresh manicure looks. Or perhaps you have worked for months at perfecting fancy nail painting techniques and are really excited about finally getting everything to flawless. Either way, you have 10 gorgeous fingernails that you want to share with the world on Instagram and your nails are definitely ready for their close-up.
In order to get the best possible nailfie of your picture-perfect manicure, check out the following tips:
1. Make Sure the Lighting Is Right
To get the best and most compliment-worthy nail shots for Instagram, find natural lighting. Stand next to a window with the blinds up or go to the backyard. Sunlight looks way better on your nails and hands than artificial indoor light.
2. Have a Great Camera
Having the right equipment matters. If you have an ancient smartphone with an outdated camera, upgrade to a newer model. For example, the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge features a 12 MP camera that can take crystal clear shots of your beautiful nails.
3. Try Different Poses
While your first inclination might be to take a shot of your flattened out hand, there are much more complimentary ways to show off your manicure. One way is usually referred to as “The Claw.” This means gently flexing your fingers so they show off your nails and the palm of your hand. If you clench your fingers too tightly it will likely look awkward—instead, go for a casual curl of the fingers. To make the pose even more natural-looking, add in a prop that your fingers can grasp, a logical choice being a bottle of nail polish. Hold the bottle with your four fingers visible in the front and your thumb around the back of the lid.
4. Vary the Background
To make the manicure selfie as attractive as you can, make sure the background looks great. If you are standing outside, be mindful of what is right behind your nails—you don’t want your Instagram followers distracted by bags of fertilizer or a lawn mower that is visible behind you. Prop up a pretty throw pillow or a plain T-shirt, or even pose near a green or flowering bush. When choosing what to use as your background, always aim to find something that complements your mani colors.
5. Pamper Your Hands
If your mani was done at a salon, chances are you had a lovely hand massage with lots of lotion and your cuticles were trimmed. But if you want to show off your DIY manicure, pay extra attention to the rest of your fingers and hands before your photo shoot. Smooth on your favorite hand lotion and take a close look at your cuticles, pushing them back and trimming them before you apply the nail color.
6. Go In For the Close-up
Rather than a wide shot, try taking photos that show your beautiful fingernails from the knuckles up. This way the focus of the shot will be on the manicure only. If you had small details painted on, like flowers or intricate patterns, your IG friends can really get a good look at the technician’s (or your) handiwork.
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