Sorelle Amore

Sorelle Amore coined the term “advanced selfie”
Picture via Instagram @sorelleamore

Say cheese to the Advanced Selfie, an artistic self-portrait that’s a snap

The Advanced Selfie, where your body is an artistic canvas, is taking not only Instagram, but the world of photography, by storm.

Sorelle Amore

Sorelle Amore coined the term “advanced selfie”
Picture via Instagram @sorelleamore

The “selfie” is already a part of our vocabulary but now its newest evolution – dubbed the Advanced Selfie – is taking not only Instagram, but the world of photography, by storm.

At its core, the Advanced Selfie is an artistic self-portrait. It entices any person who enjoys taking photographs of themselves to take their selfie game to the next level in a creative and artistic way.

Popularised and globalised in recent years, the selfie has been absorbed into collective human culture. Today, regardless of culture, creed or country, the term is one that is not only known by billions, but forms a critical part of daily student life.

In fact, it’s difficult to remember a time when nights out, dinner with friends, or even quality time with your family did not involve whipping out the trusty front-facing camera.

‘Doing it for the Gram’

Phrases like “Selfies or it didn’t happen” and “Doing it for the Gram” have possibly perpetuated the culture of living for the aesthetic.

From a route to get the perfect profile photo, to dare-devilish snaps from the tops of cranes and cliffs, to influencer culture where you can earn thousands of rands to pose with products, the selfie is an ever-evolving phenomenon. It has taken the world, and so many of our lives, by storm.

However, some see it as a manifestation of a vain and narcissistic culture that condones dissociation from reality. Others see it as an every day art form. Then there are those who use it as a self-appreciation tool. Last but not least, there is the chance to capture cherished memories.

Sorelle Amore in #advancedselfie mode Image via Instagram @sorelleamore

But is it art?

The latest evolution of the selfie may see more people lean on the side of self-appreciation and artistic expression. Although not a new concept in the world of art or photography, self-portraiture may be the next big thing in the world of selfies.

Australian-born travel photographer and YouTuber Sorelle Amore coined the term the “Advanced Selfie”. She sees it as a modern take on self-portrait photography that encourages self-expression, self-appreciation, and visual story telling, utilising the best piece of art we have – our bodies.

From bright bikini shots at exotic beaches, to dark and moody expressions of candlelit grief, Amore has stretched her artistic capabilities to every side of the spectrum.

Get creative with an advanced selfie

Sorelle Amore
A self-portrait by Sorelle Amore Image via Instagram @sorelleamore

The best part of this new trend, is that it brings creative expression to play for anyone with a camera, timer function, and a decent editing app. Chances are, if you’re able to take a traditional selfie on your phone, you have all you need to take an #AdvancedSelfie.

Amateurs to professionals, equipped with everything from high-end DSLRs to smartphones, have had their curiosities piqued, to try their hand at the advanced selfie.

Of course, you can still pay a professional photographer to take THE perfect portrait photograph but today’s smartphones put the creative power in your hands – if you have an artistic eye.

The only rule is that the photo needs to be taken of you and by you, but apart from that the possibilities are virtually endless.

What better time to really push yourself creatively than when we’re all stuck at home?

With the lack of a crowd of friends, or public spaces like a restaurant wall, campus or concert hall as a backdrop, maybe you should give that bedroom wall or garden lawn a second look.

Who knows: Maybe what starts out as a fun and casual wardrobe photoshoot for an Instagram post, could blossom into a newfound love and passion for the art form that is photography.