What a difference six years makes, especially in terms of technology. When the camera function on smartphones became ubiquitous, the art of the selfie was born. But, face-tuning apps and filters were still a few innovations away.
She outgrew first loves.
Thanks to a new Twitter challenge, the 2012 selfie is officially trending, and people are rummaging through their past to share their hilarious photos and comparing themselves to the present. Say cheese!
Sam relives the joys of her past hair color and phone accessory.
"2012-2018, they ask me what my inspiration was," wrote Sam. "I tell 'em global warming." He's hair to stay.
This strawberry girl still rocked it in 2012.
Professionals shared their expertise on the art of the selfie with Bustle in 2013.
Jim Krause, who claimed to have coined the term "selfie," said, "Selfies should be decisive: They should either declare 'I am a selfie' by clearly giving away that the person in the shot is also the person holding the camera, or they should be sly and completely hide the fact that the photographer is also the subject.
This guy just got a little snippy.
Professional photographer Ryan Hebert suggested to always use natural light. He added, "Take your pic from above as to avoid any unflattering angels and subsequent frustration."
Most importantly, Hebert reminded people to have fun.
Don't take yourself too seriously. Keep it cutesy and fun so as to convey the message that your selfie was taken on a whim…no big deal…just an afterthought, a quick snapshot before heading outside to live your super-interesting and thoroughly catalogued (via Instagram and Facebook, etc.) life.
Sarah is determined to keep up with the challenge.
The owner of David McDonald photo said to find your light, as models do.
You want to prevent as little shadow on the face as possible. Depending on your features, a nose might cast a pretty big and not so flattering shadow over a sizable part of your face.
Elaina just added a pop of color for 2018. Black kisses for all!
Heather Gildroy discussed the etiquette involved with selfies, and it has something to do with posting them sparingly.
Selfies are a bit like crying wolf. It's important to post them sparingly and only when they can make the biggest impact. You don't want your friends sighing and rolling their eyes while viewing your posts. I recently posted a picture of my old ID from when I was 20. I had chola thin eyebrows, was really into wearing scarves, and spent a lot of time applying makeup at the time. The picture is equal parts ridiculous and surprisingly one of the more glamorous pictures I have to date. I felt this was a good selfie option and the post received a lot of love.
Gemina is proud of her glow up.
The professional photographers discussed narcissism. Is it all about vanity? Sure. Hebert said, "Selfies are definitely a reflection of an increasingly narcissistic, beauty-obsessed, self-indulgent culture, but they have existed since the advent of photography."
Sometimes, the past has more glow.
Not that there's anything wrong with that. McDonald believes it's just something very current and trending. "Social media is designed, in essence, to be narcissistic, and what better way to show off your narcissism through digital media than to take a picture of yourself? I think it's so funny that people will take the most unflattering photos of themselves just waking up, hair a mess, and then it's broadcast onto the internet. The only thing for sure is the selfie is here to stay."
Thai Chai found her light and the fountain of youth.
So snap away, folks. Will we all have evolved as better looking narcissists in another six years?
H/T - Bustle, Mashable, Twitter, Revelist.
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