How to Use a Selfie Stick

Co-authored by Crystal Bear

Last Updated: May 20, 2022 References

Selfie sticks are a wonderful tool for documenting jaw-dropping scenery, legendary vacations, or simple quality time with friends and family. Though these devices can be intimidating to new users, anyone can learn to use a selfie stick with just a little practice and instruction.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Your Selfie Stick with Bluetooth

1
Connect your new selfie stick to your device using Bluetooth pairing. Open the Bluetooth area on your smartphone or digital camera and search for the name of your selfie stick. When you see the name of your selfie stick, you can use your phone or camera to pair with the device. Bluetooth pairing won't necessarily improve the quality of your photos, but this method will be helpful if you don't want to use any extra cables or wires.
- If you don't know the name of your selfie stick, look for the name in the selfie stick's instruction manual.
- If the devices have trouble pairing, turn off each device for 5 minutes. Switch them on and try pairing them again.
2
Connect your phone to the selfie stick using a Bluetooth cable. Your selfie stick will come with a short Bluetooth cable. You should plug one end of this cable into your selfie stick and the other end into your device. Using a Bluetooth cable won't necessarily change the quality of your photos, but the cable is a reliable choice if you really want to avoid wireless connectivity issues.
- Plug the cord into your smartphone using the phone's headphone jack.
Advertisement
3
Secure your device to the selfie stick and press the shutter button to take a picture. Place your device in the phone holder at the end of the selfie stick, making sure that it is firmly clamped between the phone holder’s top and bottom sections. When you want to take a photo, press the round shutter button on the pole of the selfie stick.
- Don't worry about removing your phone case to mount the device. Just secure the phone holder around your phone case and start shooting!
- Not all selfie sticks have removable phone holders. If you want the option to remove your phone holder so that you can screw a digital camera onto the tip of the selfie stick, try to research your selfie stick's phone holder before you purchase it.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Your Selfie Stick without Bluetooth

1
Mount your device on the selfie stick by securing it tightly in the phone holder. Extend the top and bottom sections of the phone holder. Carefully place your phone between these top and bottom sections. Your phone should be firmly secured in the phone holder.
- You won't need to remove your phone case to use your phone with a selfie stick. Simply tighten the phone holder around your phone case.
- Many selfie sticks have removable phone holders. If you'd like to screw a digital camera onto the tip of your selfie stick instead of using the holder, try to buy a selfie stick with a phone holder that can be unscrewed.
2
Position the selfie stick at your desired length and angle. Extend the pole of the selfie stick as far as you want. You can also adjust the angle of the phone holder. If you can, try to decide on a position that you like before you set the timer for your photo.
3
Set a 5-second photo timer on your device and get ready! Use the camera software on your device to set a timer. You can also download photo apps that have timer functions. Smile, pose, and wait for the camera to snap your photo!
- Try out a variety of camera apps that are compatible with selfie sticks. If you want better photo editing options or if you simply desire a new alternative to your normal camera software, you can find many camera apps tailored to selfie sticks.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Taking Great Photos with a Selfie Stick

1
Play around with lighting to avoid harsh shadows in your selfie stick shots. If the lighting and shadows in your shot are harsh, try adjusting by turning away from or into the sun.^{[1]
X
Research source} Overcast skies are great for portraits because the clouds diffuse light, so try taking some shots in overcast weather. Try to test lighting in a few locations to find the best lighting for your photo.
- The lighting on your face should be even.^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Crystal Bear
  Professional Photographer
  Expert Interview. 21 January 2021.}
- Make sure there is no bright light right behind you. For example, don't take a selfie in front of a window in a dark room. You will end up with a dark selfie, and even if you use a flash, there will be a sort of a weird halo glow behind your head.^{[3]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Crystal Bear
  Professional Photographer
  Expert Interview. 21 January 2021.}
2
Angle your selfie stick higher for flattering angles. Holding your selfie stick at a high angle can minimize shadows and compose more unique and complimentary shots.^{[4]
X
Research source} You can also use a high angle to minimize the appearance of the stick in your photos.
- Try to capture new, interesting angles by tipping your device forward or backward on the stick.
- Positioning the camera slightly above your eye level, looking down at you, will make your chin look thinner.^{[5]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Crystal Bear
  Professional Photographer
  Expert Interview. 21 January 2021.}
3
Refrain from using your selfie stick in crowded or dangerous locations. Moving your selfie stick in large crowds of people can hurt others or destroy your device.^{[6]
X
Research source} Similarly, using your selfie stick in a dangerous area like a cliffside could put your life at risk. Use common sense and only take photos when it is safe to do so.
- Find out if selfie sticks are allowed at your destination. Some crowded tourist destinations have banned selfie sticks. If you're traveling to a popular location, be sure that your device is allowed.^{[7]
  X
  Research source}

Expert Q&A

Question

Is there a way to make my selfies more stable?

Crystal Bear
Professional Photographer
Crystal Bear is a Professional Photographer and the Owner of Summer Bear Photography. Crystal specializes in weddings and portraits for women. She holds a BS in Interior Design and Consumer Science from San Francisco State University. Coming from a design background, Crystal brings a sense of style and artistry to her work that brings out her client’s inner confidence, showcases their beauty both inside and out, and puts them at ease. She also specializes in using the correct lighting and branding for women entrepreneurs.

Crystal Bear

Professional Photographer

Expert Answer

Yes! There are tripods out there that you can set up to take selfies with your phone. They require a little more set up than the sticks, but your photos will be crisper and less blurry.
Question

Why do some people take selfies with the back of the phone where they can't see the photo?

Crystal Bear
Professional Photographer
Crystal Bear is a Professional Photographer and the Owner of Summer Bear Photography. Crystal specializes in weddings and portraits for women. She holds a BS in Interior Design and Consumer Science from San Francisco State University. Coming from a design background, Crystal brings a sense of style and artistry to her work that brings out her client’s inner confidence, showcases their beauty both inside and out, and puts them at ease. She also specializes in using the correct lighting and branding for women entrepreneurs.

Crystal Bear

Professional Photographer

Expert Answer

The camera on the back of your phone actually has more megapixels than the camera on the front. As a result, the quality of the image is much better. If you want your selfies to look a little more high quality, use the camera on the front!