Five ways to take better selfies (without the stick)

It's fun to make fun of selfies, and even more fun to make fun of the people taking them ( especially if they're holding a selfie stick). But, let's face it, front-facing photos are here to stay, so you might as well make them look as good as possible.

That can be a challenge. For one thing, your arm is only so long (hence the popularity of the sticks). Then there's the awkwardness of trying to press or tap buttons while holding your arm steady and not blocking the lens. Oh, and lighting? Unless you're standing outside during daytime, selfies often turn out dark or muddy.

Granted, newer phones are making these snapshots easier, thanks to features like wider-angle lenses and front-facing LEDs or even screens that pull flash duty. But there are several ways to improve the quality of your front-facing photos regardless of which phone you have. I'll share my five favorites; you hit the comments and add your recommendations for selfie salvation.

Friends hanging out at big outside music festival, in the sunset.

Klaus Vedfelt, Getty Images

1. Angle up

Your arm, that is. When you hold your camera at eye-level or below, you increase the risk of chins. And chins are selfie enemy no. 1. So when you stretch out your arm, make sure it's above your head, angled down toward your face(s). That way you'll have to tilt your head(s) up slightly, which easily and effectively solves this "chin-justice."

2. Use the self-timer

It's hard enough to hold your arm steady when it's outstretched. When you add the pressing of a button or tapping of the screen to fire the shutter, a little camera-shake is all but inevitable. Result: blurred selfies.

Thankfully, most camera apps include a self-timer option, and while that may kill a little of the spontaneity, it'll help reduce the shake. That's because you can focus on holding the phone steady without the acrobatics of pressing the shutter-release. Added bonus: The extra few seconds gives everyone time to remember to look at the actual camera lens instead of staring at the screen or (you know who you are) Home button.

...