How to Use a Selfie Stick & Take Great Photos

Download Article

Professional photographer Crystal Bear explains how to get the best photo with a selfie stick

Co-authored by Crystal Bear and Marcus Pruitt, BS

Last Updated: January 28, 2026 Fact Checked

Download Article

• With Bluetooth
|
• Without Bluetooth
|
• Taking Great Photos
|
• Video
|
• Expert Q&A
|
• Tips

|Show more |Show less

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. It doesn’t matter if it came with Bluetooth capabilities or without them; it’s simple either way! Read on so you can learn how to use yours, with tips on taking a great photo from professional photographer Crystal Bear.

How to Use a Selfie Stick

Professional photographer Crystal Bear says to turn the camera around, mount it on the selfie stick, and hold it upward. Shoot from slightly above eye level and make sure you have even lighting on your face, as well. Then, set a timer or click the button on your Bluetooth remote to take the photo.

Steps

Section 1 of 3:

Using Your Selfie Stick with Bluetooth

Download Article

1. 
   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 locate it, use your phone or camera to pair with the device.

   • 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.
   • 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.

   Meet the wikiHow Expert

   Crystal Bear is a professional photographer who specializes in weddings and portraits for women.
2. 
   2
   Or, connect your phone to the selfie stick using a Bluetooth cable. Your selfie stick should come with a short Bluetooth cable. 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 it is a reliable way to avoid wireless connectivity issues.

   • Plug the cord into your smartphone using the phone's headphone jack. If you have an iPhone, use a 3.5mm-to-lightning or 3.5mm-to-USB-C converter.
   Advertisement
3. 
   3
   Secure your device and take a picture with the shutter button. 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 (pull them apart slightly to make room for the phone, then let the sides close securely around it). 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!
   • If you want to use a digital camera, purchase a selfie stick with a removable phone holder. Once it’s in your hands, remove the holder and twist your camera on like a tripod.
Advertisement

Section 2 of 3:

Using Your Selfie Stick without Bluetooth

Download Article

1. 
   1
   Secure your device tightly in the phone holder. This will help mount your device. Extend the top and bottom sections of the phone holder. Carefully place your phone between these top and bottom sections. Then, bring the sections back down to firmly secure your device.

   • 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.
2. 
   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. 
   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 different camera apps that are compatible with selfie sticks.
   • For better photo editing options or if you simply desire a new alternative to your normal camera software, try apps like Adobe Lightroom or Blackmagic Camera.
   • Some selfie sticks come with a remote that activates your camera button, so grab a remote-controlled selfie stick if you’d prefer that over waiting for a timer.
Advertisement

Section 3 of 3:

How to Take Great Photos with a Selfie Stick

Download Article

1. 
   1
   Play around with lighting to avoid harsh shadows in your shots. If the lighting and shadows in your shot are harsh, adjust by turning away from or into the light. Try to test lighting in a few locations to find the best lighting for your photo.

   • According to Bear, the lighting on your face should be even.
   • “Make sure there is no bright light right behind you,” Bear says. For example, don't take a selfie in front of a window in a dark room. You will end up with a dark selfie. (Even if you use a flash, there will be a sort of weird halo glow behind your head.)
   • Overcast skies are great for portraits because the clouds diffuse light, so try taking some shots in overcast weather.
2. 
   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 complementary shots. 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.
   • Bear says that positioning the camera slightly above your eye level, looking down at you, will make your chin look thinner.
3. 
   3
   Avoid using your selfie stick in crowded or dangerous locations. Moving your selfie stick in large crowds of people can hurt others or your device. 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.

   • If you're traveling to a popular location, find out if selfie sticks are allowed at your destination. Some crowded tourist destinations have banned selfie sticks.
4. 
   4
   Be okay with looking ridiculous. You’re holding a big stick in public, so it’s going to look a bit out of the ordinary to some people. There’s nothing wrong with that, though! A few seconds of awkwardness is much better than having to set your phone up on a ledge and risking a fall, or going up to a stranger and asking them to take your picture.

   • The quicker you accept that you look a bit funny, the quicker you’ll be able to hit the angles you want.
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

• 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.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

  Yes No

  Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3
• 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!

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

  Yes No

  Not Helpful 17 Helpful 7

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Advertisement

Video

Tips

• Clean your camera lens before positioning your selfie stick. Don't get
  Thanks

  Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• Fully charge your selfie stick before using it so that you can make the most of the experience. The device should come with a micro USB cord that you can use for charging.
  Thanks

  Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Carefully extend your selfie stick indoors to make sure it can hold your phone's weight. Some models of phones are heavier than others, so try to get one that can handle the size and weight of your phone. It should not bend or break.
  Thanks

  Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Advertisement