Tips to Avoid Looking Too Much Like a Selfie! Recommended Poses for Stylish Photos at Trendy Self-Service Photo Studios

Self-Photo Studios Are Trending

Have you ever been to a self-photo studio (self photo booth) that originated in Korea?

In Japan, stores are rapidly increasing in places like Shibuya, Harajuku, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Nakameguro, and it feels like there's a certain momentum...!

Since it's a self-photo studio, there are no photographers.

You can take pictures freely in a short time (about 15 to 30 minutes) by remotely pressing the shutter button yourself♡

You could think of it as a studio version of purikura (photo booth with a switch).

You want to capture memorable photos, but,

"I don't want to take purikura because the editing changes my face too much..."

"I don't feel like going as far as hiring a professional or going to a photo studio..."

Even for those who feel this way, the self-photo studio allows you to take good photos without weird edits like purikura, using a better camera than a smartphone, and it's affordable and casual—making it exactly the modern service that combines the best of both worlds.

Moreover, with simple backgrounds, you can take photos that are trendy but not overly influenced by passing trends.

The ability to take black and white photos seems to be a key to its popularity. It's indeed stylish and cool.

It's often used for couple anniversaries, marriage registration (casual engagement), girls' gatherings, and family photos♡

What are the Prices and Duration at Self-Photo Studios?

Each studio has several plans available, but,

To give an example:

- Unlimited monochrome photos for 15 minutes, with all data sent for 3,500 yen

- Unlimited color photos for 15 minutes, with all data sent for 5,000 yen

These are the typical price ranges, quite straightforward. It's affordable enough that you can spontaneously decide to go for a photo session on a casual date day, just like "Shall we go for lunch?"♡

Self-photo studios typically have a plain white background, with two chairs or benches and a box you can sit on being standard ♡

(It seems that some studios allow the borrowing of decorations and props.)

What Do You Think? The Switch Adds a Selfie Feel

At a self-photo studio, you hold the switch that triggers the camera shutter yourself.

So, inevitably, the black switch shows up in the photos... This is a unique aspect of being self-service, but it might be a little bothersome.

👇 Can you see this? The man has natural hand movements, but the woman is holding the switch, portraying a self-photo vibe.

It's unavoidable because it's a self-photo, but I think if that switch wasn't there (or if it was held more skillfully), the photos would look more natural and stylish, as if taken by a photographer＊

Photos that clearly scream "selfie" remind me of stock photos for corporate websites, which feels a bit off...

Poses That Don’t Look Selfie-Like and Are Stylish♡

So from here, I’ll introduce some reference poses that don’t seem too selfie-like and appear stylish♡

(1)

Hold the camera♡

You might want to try shooting with items as well.

(2)

The man puts his hands in his pockets and turns on the switch there.

(3)

If you get a little closer to the camera, the switch won’t be activated, so it’s also a good idea to shoot from a close proximity＊

(4)

Instead of standing side by side, face each other from behind♡

It's more naturally seen when the man holds the switch.

(5)

Here, the man is also holding the switch.

The way he hides it seems very natural♡

(6)

Visiting a self-photo studio with the bouquet you received after an anniversary or proposal is wonderful♡

Holding something large like this makes it easier to hide the switch.

(7)

Alternatively, a photo where you confidently show the switch might be nice too＊

(8)

Here too♡

Casual and unique, where the switch feels like part of the photo.

It looks like a scene from a movie♩

I Want to Try a Self-Photo Studio＊

The trendy self-photo studio. If you shoot without much thought, you might later look back and think, "Maybe it looks a bit too self-service..." or "The hand holding the switch looks awkward..."

If you want to pose in a stylish, modern, and sophisticated way, how you hold and hide the switch is also important＊

If you check out photos that you think are cute before shooting, you should be able to leave behind satisfying self-photos.

Whether taking engagement photos on the day of registration or capturing engagement photos after getting engaged. It's nice that the pricing makes it affordable enough to go not just for annual celebrations but even monthly anniversaries.

Please give it a try and go for a shoot♡