In 2013, a new Australian word was added to the Oxford Online Dictionary - “selfie”. In November of the same year, it was recognized as the word of the year and gained widespread fame throughout the world. If only a few people knew this term in our country a couple of years ago, today only the lazy does not use it. So what is a selfie and what causes such a high interest in it? If you are not already "in the subject", rather read and enlighten!
Meaning and Origin
The term Selfie is derived from the English Self - self. This prefix is used in cases when 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 the language of modernity? Nothing but the beloved "self-shoot", or "photo hi." Which of us didn’t sin with such images? Most likely, there are few of them.
The meaning of the selfie is simple - capturing yourself on the camera through the 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 near mind), timers and cords of cameras. Today, for this, the built-in functions of well-known smartphones are most often used. A selfie photo is taken at arm's length, as a rule, the result is a view at an angle - slightly below or above the level of the head.
"Ancestors" selfie
About what selfie is, they knew long before the appearance and dissemination of this term. Moreover, the first such self-portraits appeared a few centuries ago. They began photographing their own reflection in the mirror back in 1900, when the first Kodak Brownie cameras appeared. Of course, then this practice was not so widespread, but still took place. An interesting incident is known that occurred in 1914 with Princess Anastasia Nikolaevna Romanova. At the age of thirteen, she took her selfie with the help of a mirror and sent it to a friend, accompanying the letter with sweet lines that her hands were shaking during the shooting . Another rather famous ancestor of a selfie is a household photo of Odessa journalist Eleazar Langman, made in 1935. This is a creative self-portrait - reflected in a teapot.
Of course, then this term was not applied to such pictures. The word "selfie" in its modern meaning began to be used in 2002, and for the first time this happened in Australia, at one of the online forums (therefore, this country is officially considered the country of origin of the term). Self-images more familiar to our generation first appeared on MySpace, a popular social network in the 2000s, and later on Facebook and other social resources.
Selfies and popularity
Actively gaining popularity "photo 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 such as Instagram appeared, where advanced young people 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 multimillion-dollar Internet audience can easily see pictures taken by his father, in which he is captured with visitors to the Vatican. There are many similar cases today. Such photos are taken by movie stars, musicians, politicians and ordinary people. The main contingent of selfie lovers is young people 18-30 years old.
Shooting Rules
Today with an ordinary crossbow you will not surprise anyone. In order to stand out and remember, it is worth taking into service a few rules of a successful selfie:
- treat yourself and others with humor - make funny, absurd and even slightly shocking self-arrows;
- Take pictures in the company of famous personalities;
- Shoot yourself in remote places - for example, photographer Mike Hopkins took a selfie against the backdrop of the Earth (and what are you capable of?);
- take a selfie when they do not expect this from you (for example, during an important speech or making a toast);
- take pictures with your pets - such selfies always gain a record number of “likes” and cause emotion even for the most serious personalities;
- shoot how you take a selfie (a mirror and a second smartphone to help you);
- follow the rules - avoid antics, “duck lips” and too provocative poses (today you will hardly inspire anyone);
- shoot often and in different ways (or not?) - for example, bloggers are known for taking selfies in the same position for months and even years (!) with the same expression (at least it’s interesting to follow the changes that take place) .
These simple tips will help you take selfies that will gain a lot of likes, comments and just make a smile on the face of your subscribers. However, do not forget to not plunge into the attractive world of gunshots and fall out of real life (unfortunately, this also happens).
Conclusion
If prior to 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 picture of yourself, take friends, parents, grandmothers, kittens, celebrities, random passers-by into your company - accumulate memories, but live in the present!