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The Art of the Perfect Selfie at Events: A Survival Guide
By Sarah Mitchell•November 21, 2025•5 min read
Master the art of the perfect selfie at concerts, festivals, and live shows in South Africa with this fun, practical survival guide. Capture memories, vibes, and iconic moments effortlessly.
Let’s be real: half the fun of going to a live show, concert, festival, or comedy night in South Africa is capturing the moment. But if you’re not careful, your selfie game can go from “iconic” to “embarrassing” faster than a DJ dropping a surprise remix.
Fear not, brave selfie-taker. Here’s your survival guide to making sure every snap screams “legendary night out” — without angering fellow attendees or the universe.
Fear not, brave selfie-taker. Here’s your survival guide to making sure every snap screams “legendary night out” — without angering fellow attendees or the universe.
1. Know Your Lighting
Lighting is everything. Indoor shows? Look for a warm spotlight or neon glow. Outdoor festivals? Golden hour is your friend. Avoid harsh overheads that turn your carefully curated face into a shadowy horror scene.
"Pro tip: If the lighting is terrible, embrace the filter. No one will know.
2. Mind the Background
Sure, you want to capture the stage or the crowd, but make sure you’re not photobombing a screaming toddler or a spilled cocktail. Scenery matters — a clean, energetic, or iconic background makes your selfie Instagram-ready.

3. Angle Like a Pro
High angles, side angles, tilted angles… experiment. But remember: the perfect angle is the one that shows you and the vibe of the event. Nothing kills the “I’m having fun” energy like a selfie cut off at the chin.
4. Respect Fellow Fans
Selfies are fun — but nobody wants to be blocked by your arm while the main act hits a high note. Quick snaps are better than prolonged selfie sessions that ruin the experience for everyone else.
5. Capture Emotion, Not Just Face
A selfie isn’t just a pretty face; it’s a memory. Laughing with friends, dancing mid-jump, shouting the lyrics — let the energy shine. The best selfies are the ones that make someone say, “I was there too.”

6. Props Are Your Friends
Glow sticks, merch, hats, festival glasses — these add personality and a story. Just make sure they don’t obscure your face or make the shot look cluttered.
7. Master the Selfie With Friends
Group selfies are tricky: someone’s eyes are closed, someone’s face is half-hidden, and someone’s photobombing… again. Patience, positioning, and maybe a selfie stick will save your life.
8. Don’t Overdo the Editing
Filters are great, but over-editing can make the photo look like a cartoon. The best selfies capture the energy and authenticity of the night — messy hair, sweat, confetti, or all.
9. Timing is Everything
The “perfect selfie moment” often happens between songs, right before the headliner, or during a spontaneous crowd wave. Keep your phone ready, but don’t live behind the screen — the real experience comes first.

The Bottom Line
Taking the perfect selfie at an event isn’t just about angles or filters — it’s about capturing the energy, fun, and memories of the night. Follow this guide, and your friends will think you were born with a camera in hand.
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Sarah Mitchell
Senior Event Specialist
Sarah has over 8 years of experience in event planning and management. She specializes in large-scale concerts and festivals, helping thousands of event-goers create unforgettable memories across South Africa.
Article Info
5 min read
November 21, 2025
491 words
Status: published