Set Up Selfie

I’m calling this one ‘Set Up Selfie’ because ‘Really Awkward Afternoon In Front of the Mirror’ doesn’t quite have the same ring to it.

Massive props to the bloggers who manage to take photos of themselves and look natural, it’s definitely something I need to work on. Honestly, most of the photo shoots I do don’t involve pants. Having to do hair and makeup AND put on clothes without elastic waistbands... it’s a stretch.

I had this idea while wandering through the craft section of my local discount store. I absolutely love to head to a store like that and just browse the shelves aimlessly and wait for creative inspiration to come (at the low, low cost of $2).

Enter the liquid chalk marker.

I saw it hanging on the shelf and three things came together in my mind:

I’ve long had an obsession with putting writing on photos using a pen tablet.
I also absolutely LOVE the Beautiful Mess Photo App. It lets you put arrows and hearts all over your photos.
Who doesn’t love a selfie? I take heaps of mine in front of the mirror in the mornings.

I’ve only just taken the plunge with the tablet, but you need photo editing software and the tablet itself so it can be pretty expensive. Plus you need a modicum of ‘arty talent’ to make it work.

So this is the DIY version of the Photo App.

Take the marker and draw your favourite design. I had a play around on paper first and drafted some options.

Read the instructions on the pen. You’ll probably need to shake it like a maniac then depress the nib to get the ink flowing.

Go nuts! The chalk is easy to wipe off if you make a mistake.

Tip: Smaller images closer up will fit onto your phone screen better.

Photograph your own awkward moments...

Tip: Use the pen to write messages to your loved ones. I wrote ‘Mow the lawn’ on husband’s side of the mirror with a big check box next to it. He was impressed. I also took it to work and decorated the ladies mirror with some lewd comments, and the glass door to my office with a big ‘quarantine’ sign. It’s becoming a thing.