13 dos and don'ts when taking a selfie with the earth
Your selfie isn't worth it.
No one wants to hear that, especially because selfies are empowering celebrations of your innate beauty. (They are!)
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But in some cases, your selfie could do more harm than good, especially to the planet and the critters who live here. And we're tired of headlines where people pass around baby dolphins for a picture.
We're not suggesting you snap every selfie against a blank wall from the safety of your couch, but keep in mind how your eagerness to get the perfect pic could be affecting — even harming — the environment around you.
Above all, think before you selfie, and all will be just fine.
1. Do celebrate nature with a selfie.
Holy wow, Earth is ridiculously beautiful. Don't ever stop showing how much you love and care for it.
2. Don't destroy nature for a selfie.
Cherry blossom season is short enough. Tearing apart a tree for its cascading petals is literal destruction.
Let nature do its thing.
Observe peacefully.
Collect a picture with as little human interference as possible.
3. Do capture a cuddle pic.
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If you're lounging in the backyard with a good book and Mittens prances over to play, grab that camera. These moments are rare, and they grow up so fast.
4. Don't force animals to pose or mess with strangers' pets without asking.
As we've seen with the debate about hugging dogs, you can't read animals' minds. You may know your pet is friendly, but you have no idea how other animals will react to your prodding.
In general, experts warn many animals find close contact a challenge; they may react aggressively. It's already tough to get your bestie's face into the frame. Don't try to wrangle a squirming animal. If they come to you, great. If not, don't make 'em.
5. Do pull over for the perfect shot.
No one expects you to watch the pavement during your entire road trip. But if you need an extra moment with inspiring surroundings, hit that turn signal, park and pose.
6. Don't drive and record.
Selfie sticks were not designed for drivers, even if they are on a dirt road going 5 miles per hour.
7. Do make room for spontaneity.
Sometimes animals do weird crap. Play with them safely and keep a camera handy for hilarious outtakes.
8. Do take safe selfies at the zoo.
But do your research about fair and humane zoo practices first. We need to make sure creatures are happy and healthy before we stick our heads, phones and flash photography near their homes.
9. Don't ignore safety enclosures and posted rules.
They exist for everyone's safety, including the animal's. It's a privilege to see how animals live and interact with each other, whether in the zoo or the wilderness. But respect their space and do everything by the book. It's already fun without you stalking a gorilla.
10. Do find joy at the beach.
The beach was basically designed for selfies. It's sexy, everything glistens and it has a great soundtrack. Enjoy yourself and indulge how fine everything and everyone looks, including you.
11. Don't pull joy from the water.
Really, this? Or this? Just, never.
12. Do allow the earth to challenge you.
Lots of experiences are scary, and involve risk across all types of ability levels. But if you do your research and have an expert to guide you, document your experience — whether it's skydiving, reaching a mountaintop or floating in a pond.
And remember, GoPro is a hands-free alternative that may help record your feats even more safely. Just don't blame us if you drop the device down a canyon.
13. Don't ignore your gut.
Just because you signed a waiver doesn't mean it's safe, especially with a phone in your hand. If it feels risky, rethink it.
In 2015, more people died taking selfies than died from shark attacks. If we're going to sum up with anything, remember: Your selfie isn't worth it.
Know your limits, and respect the elements. They're beautiful, unpredictable gifts.
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Stephanie Buck was the lifestyle editor at Mashable. During her career in media, she has contributed to publications both national and local. A California transplant, she now lives in New York City in a tiny apartment overflowing with yoga mats, knitting needles and craft beer. Follow her antics @StephMBuck.
