11 Tips For Self Portraits

GRT2 Studio: Tempe, AZ

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.

March Photo Blog Editorial Calendar

We Were Promised Jetpacks : Rhythm Room / Phoenix, AZ

In my effort to make this the best photography blog on the web I wanted to share some upcoming topics with everyone. Each month I sit down and develop an editorial calendar and starting in March I will publish what’s on tap for this site at the beginning of the month.

NEW Series – Photographer Interview Series: Each month I email five questions to various photographers. These photographers will be of all different skill level and acclaim – ranging from the published professional photographer to the amateur hobbyist. My questions will differ from person to person but all questions will be photography based. I am happy to announce that this week we will kick the series off with one of my all time favorite photographers – J. Grant Brittain. Grant is one of the most acclaimed skateboard photographers in the world. If you have ever picked up a skateboard magazine chances are Grant’s work has been in the forefront. (He discusses one of my favorite photos – it’s very cool.)

FOCUS Video Series: FOCUS is a web series where photographers are interviewed and given the opportunity to discuss some of their signature photographs. In March’s webisode of FOCUS a photo of Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers from 12/31/09 will be highlighted. This series to open to anyone who would like to be featured regarding a significant piece of work. If you would like to featured on FOCUS please send an email to: grt2@grtaylor2.com (Webisode #1) (Webisode #2)

Concert Photography 101: What it takes to take great concert photos. We discuss camera settings, equipment, lighting, gaining access and everything else related to concert photography. Here is a review of the first three installments (click here)

What else is happening? March is a busy month of music for me. I am scheduled to shoot Mike Watt, Flogging Molly, Hank III and Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers. I will post photos and reviews of each concert. Also, pay attention for a Call For Submissions for music photographs for a very special non-profit project I am working on (I can’t say anything else about it yet since the details are being finalized.)

Lastly, I appreciate everyone reading. February was a record month for www.grtaylor2.com and I want to thank everyone who commented, tweeted, re-tweeted posts and recommended this blog to anyone. If there are specific topics you want to discuss please leave a comment and I will address the topic soon there after. Keep shooting photos everyone…