Unless you're Kim Kardashian West, you might not be an expert at taking selfies. The reality show diva is so enamored of her own pictures, she published a book of selfies called "Kim Kardashian Selfish," and then another, updated version, with 64 more photos of - you guessed it - herself.

You don't have to be a bona fide narcissist to take a selfie. And if you're one of those people who are always taking everyone else's picture, this might be the only way your old high school classmates can see how well (or badly) you've aged.In honor of National Selfie Day, which is Wednesday, we wanted to get in on the fun and share the best tips for taking a picture of yourself. And you don't even need a duck face or a giant ego.National Selfie Day was created in 2014 by Rick McNeely, an Arlington, Texas, radio DJ. The goal was to get people to take selfies, and then post them on the event's Facebook page. It's since gone viral, and people are getting on board from all over.To help you take your best selfie, we spoke with Lehighton photographer Lisa Hopstock. While Hopstock is usually on the other side of the lens, she was willing share some advice for those wanting to take a better selfie."All these rules can help you take a better selfie," says Hopstock, "but in the end, your selfie is all about expressing YOURselfie. Experiment and have fun!"Take a better selfieLight:Pay attention to your light source. Natural, diffused lighting, like outside on a cloudy day or just before sunrise/sunset is the most flattering (see example). Avoid using a flash unless absolutely necessary as it can wash out your complexion and increase unflattering contrast. A kitchen light directly above you will cast an unflattering shadow (see bad example). Adjust your position or turn on another light in the opposite direction to allow light to hit your face from more angles and soften the shadows (see better example). For fun, try putting the light source directly behind your head for an "angel-glow" effect. Avoid fluorescent lighting as it will create a green color cast, unless you are going for that alien look.Posing:All the same rules of professional portraits still apply. A straight-on shot leaning back in a chair is not as flattering as when you sit up straight or slightly forward, with one shoulder slightly forward, and your neck out. Hold your phone at a slight angle above your eye line if you're conscious about your chin/neck appearance. Just be careful not to over exaggerate. Focus on the eyes: Everyone has a "good side," but don't turn your head so far that you can't see both eyes. The great thing about selfies and digital photography is that you can just keep taking them until you get that perfect shot (or run out of storage). Also, pressing your tongue to the roof of your mouth, right behind your top teeth can help straighten out your smile. No duck face, please.Composition:Be aware of your surroundings. Even if you look your best, a cluttered background or awkwardly placed element in the background can distract from the main subject of the photo - YOU! Often these background issues can be solved by taking a few steps left or right or angling the phone differently. When taking a selfie next to a shiny object like a car or bathroom mirror, be extra careful of what is visible in the reflections. When you want to show off more of the background or include more people, the infamous selfie stick is your friend (see examples).Post-processing and posting:Take advantage of the preset filters and editing options on your phone or other app (built in to Facebook). They can't fix a bad pose, but can help salvage a post-worthy selfie by fixing the green tint of fluorescent lighting with a quick desaturate, sepia filter or a vintage vignette. Don't forget to crop out those unwanted items in the background.Curate your selfie:Please curate before posting. ONE photo of you and your cat is cute; 12 of them will get you blocked.DEATH BY SELFIESelfies are growing in popularity, but there's a disturbing trend that's taking selfie snapping to the extreme: the "killfie."Adrenaline junkies are posting photos of themselves or their friends hanging off bridges or climbing to the top of tall structures. But it's not just daredevils who are putting themselves in danger.It's the group of friends posing on the edge of a boat, causing it to capsize; or the group that was swept away when hit by a massive wave. Or the couple posing on the railroad tracks and being hit by a speeding train.According to a study published in November by Carnegie Mellon University and Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology in India, 127 people have died taking selfies since March 2014. Another report says 22 have died so far this year.The majority died falling from heights, followed by drownings, being hit by a train, posing with a weapon, driving, electrocution and animals.Have fun, be creative, be expressive, just don't become a statistic.ready to take a selfie?Go to our Facebook page on Wednesday, National Selfie Day, and look for the thread where you can post your selfie.