Apple revealed the new iPhone 6S and 6S Plus at their September 9th event, and there are two particularly awesome features built in just for selfie photogs. The first is 3D Touch, which gives you a quick shortcut to taking selfies just by pressing the screen in a certain way. The second feature is a front-facing flash to help illuminate your face in dark lighting.
The front-facing flash isn't an LED flash like the one on the rear of your iPhone. Instead, they've "created" a way to mimic it using the actual display. This feature is exclusive to the new iPhone 6S line and won't be included in iOS 9 for other devices, but that doesn't mean you can't get something like it. With the right app, you can take well-lit selfies on any iPhone.
Use the Free Selfshot App
To get similar effect, we'll be using an application from Americos Technology called Selfshot. Other camera apps can do the same, but this one is free and gets the job done relatively easily.
The app works by providing a blank, bright display in addition to a small preview of your front-facing camera's view. With the blank page illuminating my face, I was able to capture this super-cute selfie in a dark closet. While free for pictures, using this app with a timer or for videos will cost you an additional $0.99.
Here's a comparison of my stock Camera versus the Selfshot app. As you can see (or not see), the stock Camera really struggled in the dark closet, as one would imagine.
Shot with stock camera
Shot with Selfshot
Shot with stock camera
Shot with Selfshot
The Jailbreak Alternative
If you happen to have a jailbroken iPhone, then there's a way to integrate a Selfshot-like feature within the stock Camera app on your iPhone. Using FrontFlash (in Cydia), you can toggle the flash on or off from within your camera and eliminate the need for an additional app on your phone.
Once installed, it's important to enter the preferences from within the stock Settings. In addition to enabling the front-facing flash, you can modify the color profile of the flash.
Now, before snapping a selfie, tap the flash icon and enable the front-facing flash. As you take your picture, the screen will flash, reflecting whichever color profile you chose.
Either option will work fine and can be the short-term remedy until you get your new iPhone 6S or 6S Plus.
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