Welcome to 5 Things I Reckon About…  where I go back to bloggy basics and have a little chat about things that matter to me, and might matter to you too.

Today, I’m pondering the act of having photos with public figures. ‘Selfies’, in this case, means any orchestrated photo involving You + Public Person. Jump on my socials and you’ll see I’m a serial offender! I love a celebrity selfie. Especially when it comes to to authors and illustrators! But I DO have reasons. And rules. What do you reckon? 

With children’s industry faves Eva Amores, Matt Cosgrove, Nathan Luff & Will Kostakis. Photo credit to Eva who took one of my favourite selfies of the year!

5 Things I Reckon About Celebrity Selfies

A second encore feeds the crowd’s hunger to stay at the party.

The author wraps up her eloquent address.

The comedian closes with a flourish and a quirky exit tune.

And then, the lights come on. The fans begin shuffling in search of fresh air and debriefing. Should you stay, or should you go?

For me, it’s always stay. You see, unless I’m being herded out of a floodlit stadium, it’s highly likely that the main act will eventually saunter into view. They might head to the bar, pop up at the merch stand, or do a grateful round of their near and dear. And if they do, I WANT A SELFIE.

Unbecoming of a middle-aged mother of three? Maybe. But the great thing about being an older fangirl is understanding the rules of engagement that make selfie-seeking a fun, ethical, and often mutually beneficial experience for both predator and prey.

With author Allen C Jones. At a launch, friendly personal distance, books in focus, tidy background. A text book example!

Rule 1: Location, location, location

Did you hear the one about the famous author who was rude when a fan approached him while out for dinner with his wife? Well, obviously! If their date nights are anything like mine, they were debating whose turn it was to provide weekend taxi services to the teens. Or bemoaning the cost of orthodontists. Or they were working hard NOT to discuss these things. Either way, they were busy. And probably tired. Don’t interrupt.

Instead:

Books: Go to a public launch, signing or networking event where the talent is willing and ready to say hi. For more about signing event protocol, click here.

Theatre: Find the Stage Door or Green Room exit, where performers are often expecting to find a few eager fans, and may even have publicists or security staff around to take the pic.

Music: If you’re trailing a mega star – give up. They’re already in the Hummer. But if it’s more of a niche performance, just settle in with a drink. If they’re keen to say hi to people, they’ll emerge in their own time and willingly jump into your photo.

With actor and author Richard Roxburgh. At a book signing event. No stalking required.

Rule 2: Know your product

This selfie you seek? It’s not about you. Well, it is. But there are two (or more) people in the shot. It’s a super exciting moment for you, finally meeting your hero, your inspiration, or your hall pass. But what’s in it for them?

If you are meeting them at a launch, get the product in the picture. Hold up the book, wear the t-shirt, stand in front of the poster.

If you are sharing the image on social media, let the world know a bit about the book, music or show. You have a chance to promote an awesome creative human’s work.

If it’s a truly awful picture, consider not sharing it. Even though people in the public eye are used to be photographed from all angles, you can still make an ethical decision.

With author Mirandi Riwoe. Shouldn’t have put my finger over the book title! Photo fail.

Rule 3: Let’s (not) get physical

If you were taking a selfie with a work colleague, how would you pose? Standing in front of the corporate logo with a LinkedIn-friendly smile? Perhaps a genial arm around the shoulders? Or climbing them like a koala up a tree and going in for a sneaky pash?

If you are snapping a selfie with someone at a book launch, gig or festival, you are effectively at that person’s office. This is a moment for admiration, not assault.

Sure, there are naturally warm and affectionate public figures who might pull you in for a hug. Others prefer some social distance. They have a right to set boundaries – as do you. Don’t assume.

With opera and cabaret singer Ali McGregor. Warm, wonderful woman! Also, sneaky product in shot – apart from being an incredible singer, Ali sells booze bangles at her shows. Can you spot it?

Rule 4: Don’t throw away your shot

It’s impossible to fully control the outcome of a selfie opportunity within the seconds available to you to capture the moment. But if you have a bit of time in a queue, there are a few things you can consider:

Check behind you. Anything obviously problematic? A rubbish pile? Offensive graffiti? An unfolding emergency? Consider taking the pic in the opposite direction.

Pull yourself together. Sweaty face in control? Fly done up? Food on face?

Light is hard. Accept that your image might be in shadows or fluoros. Filters will help.

With comedian Mark Watson. Strange shadows. Strange background. Awkward body language. But very much worth it!

Rule 5: What about me?

Getting back to the beginning, why put yourself in the picture at all? Everyone has their own motivations, but here are mine:

Selfie sharing as an act of rebellion: I am a human d’un certain âge who has had their share of self-esteem issues. In fact, for many years I avoided photos altogether. I have countless photos of my children when they were small – but very few of my children with me. Younger me was so beholden to unjust societal expectations she didn’t feel worthy of putting herself in a picture – and she was far from alone in that. Make yourself part of the story!

Selfie sharing as documentary: A photo captures a moment in time, but represents an era. They help me remember who I was reading/watching/listening to at a given life stage. Not to mention providing a visual diary of great nights out with friends, tidbits of lessons learned, or venues that may or may not continue to exist.

Selfie sharing as a community building activity: I am part of an energetic, social and collegial creative community, particularly in the children’s publishing space. I love the fact that I recognise people from their online lives – and vice versa. Taking and sharing photos at book launches, comedy or theatre events is part of fostering a respect for the creative arts and the many skilled, hardworking and fascinating humans who make art happen.

With author/podcaster Dani Vee (Queen of the Selfies), author/illustrator Jules Faber and illustrator Serena Geddes. The children’s book community is full of fabulous people!

Are you a fan of a celebrity selfie? Do you like to be in the picture or to stay behind the camera? Are you a public figure? Let me know your thoughts!