In 2013, a new word of Australian origin, selfie, was added to the Oxford Online Dictionary. In November of the same year, it was recognized as the word of the year and became widely known throughout the world. If a couple of years ago in our country only a few knew this term, today only the lazy do not use it. So what is a selfie and why is there such a high interest in it? If you are not yet "in the know", read on and get enlightened!
Meaning and origin
The term Selfie comes from the English Self - itself. This prefix is used in cases where something is done independently, without outside help. For example, myself, selfgrowth, selfcontrol, etc. However, in recent years, the word has a specific use. What does "selfie" mean in modern language? Nothing more than the "crossbow" beloved by everyone, or "photo auto-hello". Which of us is notsinned with such pictures? Most likely, there are few of them.
The meaning of a selfie is simple - capturing oneself on camera through a special function of modern mobile devices, a kind of self-portrait. Previously, it was done with the help of mirrors (which was considered bad form and an indicator of a close mind), timers and camera cords. Today, for this, the built-in functions of well-known smartphones are most often used. A "selfie" photo is taken at arm's length, usually resulting in an angled view - slightly below or above head level.
"Progenitors" selfie
The concept of a selfie was known long before the appearance and spread of this term. Moreover, the first such self-portraits appeared several centuries ago. Photographing your own reflection in the mirror began back in 1900, when the first Kodak Brownie cameras appeared. Of course, then this practice was not so common, but still took place. An interesting incident is known that happened in 1914 with Princess Anastasia Nikolaevna Romanova. At the age of thirteen, she took a selfie with the help of a mirror and sent it to a friend, accompanying the letter with sweet lines about her "hands trembling" during the shooting. Another fairly well-known progenitor of the selfie is an everyday snapshot of the Odessa journalist Eleazar Langman, taken in 1935. This is a creative self-portrait - reflected in a teapot.
Of course, then this term was not applied to such pictures. The use of the word "selfie" in its modern sense began in 2002, and for the first time it happened in Australia, on one of the Internet forums (therefore, this country is officially considered the country of origin of the term). Self-images more familiar to our generation first appeared on the MySpace social network, popular in the 2000s, and later on Facebook and other social resources.
Selfies and popularity
Actively gaining popularity "photo auto greetings" began in 2010. This was facilitated by the development of technology in the world of electronics, in particular - mobile devices. The front camera of the iPhone 4 was improved, as well as the capabilities of Japanese and Korean phones were expanded, mobile photo applications like Instagram appeared, where advanced youth began to post their pictures, including selfies.
Gradually, the older generation also learned about what a selfie is. Even such important and serious personalities as the Pope (Francis) began to do it. For example, his multi-million Internet audience can easily see the pictures taken by the pope, in which he is captured with visitors to the Vatican. There are many such cases today. Such photos are taken by movie stars, musicians, politicians and the most ordinary people. The main contingent of selfie lovers are young people aged 18-30.
Shooting rules
Today you will not surprise anyone with an ordinary crossbow. In order to stand out and be remembered, it is worth adopting a few rules for a successful selfie:
- have a sense of humorto yourself and others - make funny, absurd and even slightly shocking crossbows;
- take pictures with celebrities;
- take pictures of yourself in hard-to-reach places - for example, photographer Mike Hopkins took a selfie against the background of the Earth (and what are you capable of?);
- take a selfie when you're not expected to (such as during an important speech or toast);
- take pictures with your pets - such selfies always gain a record number of "likes" and make even the most serious personalities feel tender;
- take a selfie (a mirror and a second smartphone will help you);
- follow the rules - avoid grimacing, "duck lips" and overly provocative poses (today, few people are inspired by this);
- shoot often and in different ways (or not?) - for example, bloggers are known to take selfies for months and even years (!) in the same position, with the same expression (at least interesting to follow the changes taking place).
These simple tips will help you take selfies that will gain a lot of likes, comments and just put a smile on the face of your subscribers. However, do not forget, so as not to plunge into the attractive world of crossbows and fall out of real life (unfortunately, this happens).
Conclusion
If before reading this article you had a vague idea of what a selfie is, now you are fully armed with up-to-date knowledge. Take a photo of yourself, take in youra group of friends, parents, grandmothers, kittens, celebrities, random passers-by - accumulate memories, but live in the present!
