Selfie "Disorder" a Hoax

A story has been making the social media rounds claiming the American Psychiatric Association declared the selfie a mental disorder. Sufferers of "selfitis" fall into three categories: borderline, acute and chronic. (I'm guessing I'd easily fall into the chronic category.) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can treat the disorder, the post says, before adding that, luckily, "CBT is covered under Obamacare." But before you buy into the silly sounding disorder, consider the source: The original post came from the Adobo Chronicles. A quick glance at their About page shows it's a site for “your source of up-to-date, unbelievable news. Everything you read on this site is based on fact, except for the lies."

A search on the APA site yielded no results for the term selfitis, and Social News Daily is claiming it's most likely a hoax. Or probably an April Fools' joke? 

The Adobo Chronicles then followed up with a piece saying Samsung, Apple and Nokia are "responding" to the mental disorder by proactively doing away with front-facing cameras on all their upcoming devices. Elaborate stuff. 

Baby Selfie? There's an App for That

New father Matthew Pegula has created an Android app that allows babies to take a selfie. Yes, babies. 

Baby Selfie attracts the infant with playful sounds and images of colorful animals, like "peek-a-boo with a camera twist." Then when the infant touches any part of the screen, the app automatically snaps a picture of their adorable expressions.

Although some publications are already decrying the app and its use, the app's creator says he simply wanted an excuse to play around with Android app development. Plus, it's a great way for new parents to amass adorable baby pics.

So don't get your diapers in a bunch. Or do, and then selfie it. #PoutyPampers

Udo Spreitzenbarth's Tips for the Perfect Selfie

I recently interviewed fashion photographer Udo Spreitzenbarth for Resource magazine's Winter 2014 issue. The piece was all about his collaboration with Tyra Banks for the 15 project. The article is an in-depth look at the project, with great tidbits from the key players involved, insight into working with Tyra, and some great info about Tyra herself. I took the time to ask Udo about the proliferation of selfies and if he had any advice as a photographer. His tips for the perfect selfie:

1. Face the light. If the light is behind you, the automatic meter in the camera phone will take the reading from the background and your face will be too dark. Also avoid a light source straight from above, such as the sun or an overhead light, since it creates deep shadows under your eyes.

2. Stretch your arm out as long as you can away from your face. The longer the distance, the better the chances the picture will turn out in focus.

3. When taking a picture of yourself in front of a mirror, have your eyes look at the reflection of the camera. This will give you the appearance of your eyes looking into the lens.

4. Be creative with the use of reflections. Such as windows, water, sunglasses, etc.

5. Selection is important. It’s hard to get the best “selfie” on the first try. Sometimes, taking three to five pictures will give you more options so that you can select one with a better cropping or angle.