By: Amanda Cosenza (wheres_amanda)
Let's face it, we are a culture that loves selfies. They are easy to take and can show off our rave outfits or makeup really well. The best part is they require very minimal setup and can make people feel like they are right there raving with us. Whether you're capturing your look in a stunning festival bodysuit or showing off your latest rave top, the right selfie can preserve those magical festival memories forever.
As a festival photographer, I have learned various tricks and tips on how to take pictures in all kinds of settings. I believe that what I have learned can also be applied to enhance even the simplest of selfies. That is why I am going to share some simple things you can do to improve your rave selfies. So get your smile ready because it's time to capture some memories!
Clean Your Camera Lens First
A lot of people do not realize that the simplest way to improve your selfie is to clean your camera lens. After hours of dancing, your phone has likely been exposed to dust, glitter, and who knows what else from the festival grounds. Microfiber cleaning cloths (like the one you would use to clean eyeglasses) are the best tool for this job. This simple task can help any picture you take (not just selfies) come out much clearer and sharper, so be sure to clean both your front and back camera. Extra points if you bust out an entire screen cleaning kit.
Pro tip: Keep a small microfiber cloth in your festival bag or tucked into your rave shorts. That way, you can quickly wipe down your lens before capturing those spontaneous moments. You spent time perfecting your festival look—don't let a smudged lens ruin the photo that shows it off.
Lighting is Everything at Festivals
The difference between a fabulous selfie and one where you look like the girl from the ring can be the lighting in which you choose to photograph in. The ideal situation is just when the sun is beginning to set. There's a reason why they call it "golden hour". This is the time when the sun is still bright enough to light a photo but not shining so much that you have to squint your eyes. The daylight is also redder and softer, creating a beautiful glow for pictures. During this time, if you are somewhere cool like the Gorge then you can also have the most gorgeous sunset as a backdrop for your selfie.
Finding Your Light at Indoor Venues
If you are unable to snap your pic during golden hour then be aware of how to "find your light". If you are at an indoor venue then the best lighting is probably going to be the bathroom (yes, really!). Bathroom mirrors typically have bright, even lighting that makes your makeup pop and your outfit shine. If you really want to go for the gold then get yourself a selfie ring light or one of those light-up cell phone cases. Another option is to ask a good friend to turn the flashlight on their phone on and shine it near your camera. The key is to make sure the area around the camera takes in the most light.
Capturing Mid-Set Moments
If taking one mid-set then try to wait until the lights are the brightest or even wait until the end when the house lights come back on. Remember to keep the sun or light source in front of you for the most flattering shot. The stage lights at festivals like EDC can create incredible backlighting effects, but front lighting will always be more flattering for selfies. Position yourself so the light hits your face directly rather than coming from behind, which can create unwanted shadows or silhouettes.
Choose Your Background Wisely
Nothing can ruin a good selfie like sweaty bodies in motion blurring the background. Try to find a cool piece of art installation, a festival stage backdrop, or a simple wall so that you can be the star of the image. Many festivals feature incredible art installations specifically designed to be Instagram-worthy—take advantage of these spots during less crowded moments. Your perfectly coordinated matching rave outfit with your crew deserves a clean, eye-catching backdrop.
Master the Rule of Thirds
This is a rule that photographers follow and it can be applied even to selfies. Go into your camera settings and make sure the "grid" is set up to display as this will help you find the right position. Line up your face so that your eyes line up to about one-third of the way down from the top. Also, place your face one third to the left or right rather than dead center. This creates a more dynamic, professional-looking composition that naturally draws the eye.
The 90-Degree Test
Next, do the 90-degree test. Turn 90 degrees and set up to take another selfie. Sometimes this slight change in position can help you grab better light or a more interesting angle. Also if you have not figured it out yet, try to determine which side is your "good side" beforehand. Most people have a side they prefer—there's no shame in knowing your angles! Experiment at home before the festival so you're not wasting precious rave time trying to figure out your best side.
Angle Matters More Than You Think
Generally, holding the camera slightly above eye level is more flattering than shooting from below. This angle can help define your jawline and showcase any face gems, glitter, or festival makeup you're wearing. It also gives a better view of your entire outfit, especially if you're wearing statement pieces like holographic festival pashminas or elaborate headpieces.
Remember You Have Two Hands
While traditionally selfies are taken with one hand, if you enlist the help of both then you will have an easier time getting the best angle and keeping the camera steady. This is especially important in festival environments where you might be tired from dancing or dealing with uneven ground. Go all out and get a selfie stick if you really want to commit to getting the perfect shot. Modern selfie sticks can extend your range significantly, allowing you to capture more of your crew or the festival backdrop in a single frame.
Don't be shy about taking multiple shots either. Professional photographers take dozens of photos to get one perfect shot—you should too! Try different angles, expressions, and poses. Your festival look took time to put together, so invest a few extra minutes to capture it properly.
Light Editing Can Enhance Your Photos
Now do not go too crazy here. Yes, there are apps out there where you can reconstruct your whole face but you are beautiful just the way you are! However, your picture may not fully show that if the lighting or white balance is off. Using apps like Lightroom or VSCO can help to enhance the overall feel of the picture, making the colors more vibrant and enhancing the lighting.
Best Apps and Editing Tips
If you really want an extra edge you can buy presets on Etsy for pretty reasonable prices. Many photographers sell festival-specific presets that are designed to make neon colors pop and enhance the glowy, vibrant aesthetic of rave culture. Focus on adjusting:
- Brightness and exposure to compensate for dark festival lighting
- Saturation to make your rave clothing colors more vivid
- Contrast to help you stand out from the background
- Sharpness to ensure details like sequins and glitter are crisp
- White balance if festival lighting has cast strange color tones
Remember, the goal is to enhance what's already there, not create something completely different. Your authentic self is what makes festival photos special—the editing should just help that shine through more clearly.
Bonus Tips for Next-Level Festival Selfies
Timing is Everything
Arrive at your festival photo spot early before crowds build up. Popular art installations and stages can get mobbed quickly, making it nearly impossible to get a clean shot. The early bird gets the perfect, crowd-free selfie.
Use Burst Mode
Enable burst mode on your phone to capture multiple shots in quick succession. This is perfect for action shots or when you're trying to catch that perfect moment when the bass drops and the lights go wild. You can always delete the extras later.
Don't Forget Video
Sometimes a video selfie captures the energy better than a still photo. A quick 3-5 second video showing your outfit, the crowd, and your excitement can be even more engaging than a static image. You can always screenshot the video later if you find a perfect frame.
Include Your Squad
Some of the best festival memories are made with friends. Group selfies might require more coordination, but they capture the communal spirit of rave culture. Make sure everyone's face is visible and well-lit—nobody wants to be the dark blob in the background.
Put It All Together
So clean your lens, find that light, smile, and get ready to snap away! With these techniques, you'll be capturing festival memories that do justice to your incredible rave outfits and the unforgettable experiences you're having. Whether you're a selfie pro or just starting to document your festival journey, these tips will help ensure your photos are as vibrant and memorable as the moments themselves.
Remember, the best selfie is the one that captures how you felt in that moment—free, expressive, and fully yourself. So don't stress about perfection. Have fun, experiment, and let your personality shine through. After all, that's what festival culture is all about: authentic self-expression and creating memories that last long after the music stops.
Now get out there and show the world your festival magic!
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