Take a selfie with a cool background
Take a creative selfie by choosing a safe, interesting background, arranging lighting and pose, and asking an adult for permission and help.
About this activity
Take a creative selfie by choosing a safe, interesting background, arranging lighting and pose, and asking an adult for permission and help.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Ask an adult for permission and tell them you want to take a creative selfie.
- 2
Step 2
Choose a safe interesting background that makes your photo look cool.
- 3
Step 3
Look around the background to find anything that could be unsafe or messy.
- 4
Step 4
Move any unsafe or distracting items out of the way with your adult's help.
- 5
Step 5
Gather one or two simple props to make your selfie more fun.
- 6
Step 6
Position yourself near a window or turn on a lamp to set good lighting.
- 7
Step 7
Decide on one pose to try that matches your background and props.
- 8
Step 8
Practice your pose and facial expression one time so you feel ready.
- 9
Step 9
Hold the camera at arm's length and frame yourself so the background is visible.
- 10
Step 10
Take several selfies trying your pose and one or two different expressions.
- 11
Step 11
Pick your favorite photo from the ones you took.
- 12
Step 12
With your adult's help share your finished selfie on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I take a creative selfie with a cool background?
To take a creative selfie with a cool background, first pick a safe, interesting spot—murals, parks, textured walls or a tidy shelf. Check lighting: face the light or use soft side light; avoid harsh backlight. Arrange a simple pose and props, frame the shot (rule of thirds), and either use a timer, remote, or ask an adult to help hold the camera. Take several photos, review, and delete any that show private info. Always ask an adult for permission and supervision.
What materials do I need to take a cool background selfie?
You'll need a smartphone or camera with a charged battery and enough storage, plus a phone stand or tripod (or an adult to hold the device). Optional items: a small prop (hat, scarf), reflector (white poster board), a lens cloth, and a simple remote or timer app. Choose a safe location and have an adult's permission. No special software is required, but a basic photo app with grid lines or editing tools helps improve composition and color.
What ages is taking selfies with backgrounds suitable for?
Selfies with cool backgrounds are suitable for most children, but supervision depends on age. For preschoolers (3–5) an adult should hold the camera and choose safe spots. School-age kids (6–11) can practice framing and poses with close supervision and clear rules about privacy. Tweens and teens (12+) can be more independent but still need guidance about sharing images, location privacy, and online safety. Always get parental permission before posting photos.
What safety tips should I follow when kids take selfies with cool backgrounds?
Prioritize safety: choose stable, private locations away from roads, water, or edges; never climb or lean dangerously to get a shot. Remove identifiable details (house numbers, addresses) from the background and avoid showing school uniforms. Ask an adult to supervise and approve each photo before sharing. Turn off location tagging in camera settings, use privacy settings on apps, and teach children not to accept photo requests from strangers. Keep discussions open about what’s okay to post.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have a camera, lamp, or special props listed in the instructions?
Use a smartphone camera held at arm's length instead of a separate camera (step 9), position yourself near a sunny window if you don't have a lamp (step 6), and make props from household items like a scarf, hat, book, or favorite toy (step 5).
My selfies look dark, blurry, or the background is distracting—what should I try?
Move closer to or face a window or turn on a lamp for better light (step 6), remove or move unsafe or distracting items from the background with your adult's help (steps 3–4), and steady the camera on a table or use a timer so your arm-held shots are less blurry while you take several photos to pick the sharpest one (steps 9 and 11).
How can I adapt this activity for different ages?
For toddlers have an adult pick the safe background, clear items, hold the phone, and guide one simple pose and expression (steps 1, 3–4, 9, 7–8), while older kids can try multiple poses, experiment with lighting and props, and choose and share their favorite photo themselves (steps 10–12).
How can we extend or personalize the selfie activity after taking photos?
Make a theme (superhero, nature, color), add simple costumes or more props from step 5, edit or crop favorites to create a collage or mini photo-story, and then share your best shot on DIY.org with your adult's help (steps 5, 10–12).