Use your computer, use a digital camera, use your phone. Play around with different angles: Shooting from above tends to make you look more like a model in a photoshoot, while shooting from below can reveal overlooked erotic shapes in your anatomy. You can hold the camera out, snapping with the touch screen or the side button, depending on the device. You can use the timer, propping it against a stack of books or on an affordable tripod, placing it on the bed and hovering over it, or putting a selfie stick to much better use than any tourist.

Get creative with the mirrors at your place, standing, twisting, and bending. Sometimes a selfie in a mirror across the room adds a certain mystery. Take a picture with a Polaroid and snap a digital photo of that for analog intrigue. If you can take advantage of natural light from a window, do it. Remember to face your light source to avoid backlit photos. If you’re traveling, experiment with the unusual setting of a hotel room. If you’re in a public restroom or changing room, you can pull your skirt up or your shirt down to capture your semi-exhibitionist side (while still safely behind closed doors).

Remember: If your partner simply wants to see any ol' naked body, it’s a quick click away. Your partner wants an intimate picture of you because they know how special you are, and because they want to feel special when you send them. If you enjoy playing with filters and retouching, think of using these as crafting a work of art rather than covering up your “flaws.” But keep in mind that your partner probably wants more than anything to experience the raw immediacy of your body, exactly as it appears in the image.

A few quick tactics can help you avoid the potentially embarrassing situation of people stumbling on your nudes. Password-protect your phone, and don’t leave it lying around at work. Turn previews off on your phone so that the content of notifications doesn't pop up on your lock screen. Tell your sexting partner you expect them to do the same, or no boobs for them.

Establish a code to signal it’s safe to be hard-core with the sexts you're sending — for example, you could use a particular emoji (by now we’re all familiar with the classic eggplant or peach, but I’m partial to the pig to indicate I’m in a dirty mood) or code phrases like, “Is it hot in the office right now?” or “Honey, it’s a little chilly in here at the moment, let’s chat later.” Ask for permission to begin a sexting conversation by setting a scene: Your partner will know exactly what you mean when you ask, “I just got out of a really hot bath and I’m feeling so relaxed right now: wanna see?” or say, “I just masturbated. I’m so wet and swollen, and I want to show it off to you.” Have fun with your security! Sharing secrets can add the super hot thrill of sneaking around to your conversations while simultaneously helping you two establish consent.

Think about the message you’re communicating with your sext. Do you want to instantly arouse your partner? Bridge the distance between you? Encourage them to get in a car and come over right the fuck now? People love to be slowly seduced. Create some luscious cleavage, but don’t show your nipple. Place your hand on your pubic mound just under your belly button. Take a selfie with your bedroom eyes dominating the foreground and a mere hint of your scantily clad body out of focus. Take a picture of your favorite sex toy right after you’ve used it. Accompany the image with the text, “You don’t get to see any more until you come over tonight."