11 Tips For Self Portraits
Mar 9, 2010 Photography Discussion, Portrait Photography, self portrait
I enjoy taking self portraits. I like documenting my life but I hate people taking my picture. Ironic I know…
There are many reasons I dislike being in front of the camera. The main reason is just because I am 100% uncomfortable when someone is taking my photograph. I spend most of my time taking photos of other people but when the lens is turned on me I am struck with anxiety. So, I found out a long time ago if you like your picture taken but don’t like people to do it – you have to do it yourself.
Here are 11 quick tips to help with Self Portraits (in no particular order)
1. Have Fun
2. Loosen Up
3. Experiment With Light
4. Get out of Your Element
5. Set Marks for Where to Stand or Sit
6. Focus on an Object at Your Mark
7. Use Auto Focus and Then Switch to Manual Focus to Lock In The Focus
8. Use a Tripod
9. Use The 10 Second Auto Timer (or Remote)
10. Exercise Patience & Take Your Time
11. Have Fun – It’s Just Photography
My Self Portrait Photography can be seen here: Flickr / Portfolio
Do you have any tips for self portraits? Do you want to show off your work? Leave a comment with a link to a gallery or specific photos.
Tags: Arizona photographer, Greg Taylor, photo blog, photo discussion, photo how to, professional photographer, self portraits, tempe photographer, timed exposure, tripod
March 10th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
Hey Greg, thanks for stopping by my site, nice to meet another photographer in Phoenix!
I do a lot of SP’s as well, I’m right in the middle of a 365-day thing on JPG Magazine. You can see most of them here:
http://www.jpgmag.com/people/ChandlerMike
Like all your suggestions…loosen up is a good one.
March 10th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
Thanks Mike – yeah loosen (a little tongue in cheek) is always something I try to follow when shooting photos. I’m also in the middle of a Photo365 Self Portrait project. It’s funny because I find it’s harder than I first perceived.
I’ve bookmarked your site and I’ll keep checking in on your work. Take Care.
March 11th, 2010 at 11:10 am
And vice versa, subscribed to your RSS feed.
Also, if this is WordPress, might think of the “subscribe to comments” plugin so people can get notified if you respond. I always like that on mine :)
I find the 365 was difficult at first, but it’s actually gotten a little easier if I’m in the mood. It’s mostly when I’m too busy that it gets hard.
March 11th, 2010 at 2:19 pm
Thx – I installed the plugin.
March 11th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
i totally get the self-portrait thing vs. someone taking your photo thing. it’s a control thing for me – the mood, the lighting, the editing, etc.
March 11th, 2010 at 2:56 pm
Control? Photographers like to be in control? No… (my attempt at comment sarcasm!)
Thanks for the comment Erin!