10 Tips for a stand-out selfie

The selfie tile features a NaviLens code on the ground. From a few metres away, point your smartphone at the ground to locate the code. Does the app indicate that you are about 1 metre away? You may already be in the right spot, as the distance from your smartphone to the ground is also included. Stand on the footprints. Your position feels like a capital T: a horizontal line in front of your feet, with a vertical line between them. The point of interest is now behind you.

Are you a blind or visually impaired person? Do you want to take a great selfie during your stay in Flanders? You can! We've got plenty of helpful tips to help you take a photo that stands out from the rest. Very important; take your time. You don't have to get it right first time.

Tip 1: Use the buttons you can feel

You don't always have to tap the screen to take a photo, as you can also use the volume button on many phones. That's often easier, because you can feel that button easily. A selfie stick, small tripod, or compact remote control can also come in handy. It means you don’t have to search the screen as much and can focus more on the photo itself.

Tip 2: Give yourself plenty of time

A timer can make things much more relaxed. It gives you a few seconds to hold your phone properly, turn your face towards the camera, and get ready. Taking a selfie with someone else? Ask that person to count down “three, two, one” out loud, so that everyone can bring out a smile at the same moment.

Tip 3: Let everyone feel where the camera is

If you want someone else to join you in your photo, it can help for both of you to feel where the camera is. For example, briefly place your hands on the back of the phone so you’ll know better which direction to face.

Tip 4: Use screen readers

Apps such as VoiceOver or TalkBack can help you while taking a selfie. They can tell you how many faces are in the frame, whether everyone’s smiling, and whether the shot is well framed. That gives you more control over the photo, without having to see everything yourself.

Tip 5: Get an app to describe the photo

There are also apps that tell you what’s in a photo, such as Seeing AI or Envision AI. After taking the photo, they describe who or what’s visible, how faces are positioned, and whether the photo’s suitable for sharing with friends and family on social media.

Tip 6: Use your voice to take a selfie

Some phones let you take a photo using a voice command. You can, for example, open the camera or take a selfie without touching the screen. That’s handy if you’re already holding your phone properly and don’t want to search for the right button again.

Tip 7: Show yourself as you are

Do you wear glasses? Do you use a white cane? These can simply be included in the photo. You decide how you appear. However, remember that if you take photos in the dark with a flash, the reflective parts of a white cane can light up brightly. If you find that distracting, you can hold the cane differently or fold it away.

Tip 8: Use accessories that help you feel at ease

A case with a built-in stand, a selfie stick, a small tripod, or a remote control makes taking selfies much easier. What's most important is to choose what feels comfortable for you. The goal isn’t technical perfection, it's to take a photo more easily.

Tip 9: Check the photo afterwards

Sometimes a filter, portrait mode, or background blur may be switched on by accident, so check after taking the photo whether everything looks the way you want. You can enlarge the photo, have it described, or check it together with someone else. If the selfie isn’t right, simply take another one, like we all do!

Tip 10: A good selfie doesn’t depend on perfect vision

It depends on trying calmly. With a bit of preparation, useful settings, and the right accessories, you’re guaranteed to take a stand-out selfie. Good luck!