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Article Directory :: Arts & Entertainment Articles
Although you might think that a photographer would love taking a self portrait, it's actually one of the most difficult pictures to take. Because we don't have the advantage of looking through the lens and carefully composing the shot as we do when we shoot other people, self-portraits can be a real pain to get right. That being said, there are a few little tips you can work into your next self-portrait shoot that will make the process much, much easier.
Delay Timers
These days just about every SLR camera now has a delay timer which can come in very handy when taking a self portrait. The delay timer, which you may have used in the past, will simply give you 5-10 seconds (depending on the camera and its settings) to jump into the shooting area after depressing the shutter button. Although this isn't ideal, it will work if you have no other options.
Remote Shutter Release
A remote shutter release will let you activate your shutter release without having to actually press down the button. They come in many varieties (including wireless) and work with most newer cameras and are the best option for taking serious photographs of yourself. They come in price ranges starting at about $30 and can go up to around $50 for wireless releases, or you can try building one yourself if you're tech savy.
Find a Friend
Unless you're at a level where you can measure the distance from your lens to a target and set your focus accordingly, you're going to need a stand-in to make sure your camera focuses in the right spot. A patient friend or family member will usually do the trick, or you can use any object that can sit at the correct height. One of the toughest part of self portraits is focusing, so you make need to take a few shots to get it right.
Don't Flatter Yourself
Be honest, the job of a photographer is to show an accurate representation, so be careful of trying to only show the images that put you in the very best possible light. This doesn't mean you can't take flattering pictures of yourself, but just consider the technical perspective instead of just considering the most complementary one. You want the picture to tell a story, so whether you look "good" is really of secondary importance.
Light it Up
It can be quite difficult to get perfect lighting on a self-portrait. If you have someone stand in for you, they will likely not have the same skin tone as you, so you will need to make adjustments throughout the shoot to get your ideal lighting. The best strategy here is to set your camera to full-manual; this will allow you to purposefully modify every photograph you take without being at the mercy of what the camera's internal sensors decide is right.
When it comes to using lights, you can use natural light, desk lights, floor lamps and even your camera's flash to create the lighting that you want. Don't be afraid to spend a couple of hours on your shoot; messing with the little details can be one of the most fun parts of self-portraiture.
Use Your Creativity
Just as in regular portraiture, creativity is key in creating visually striking self-portraits. Think of ways that you can present yourself that are outside the norm of "person in a picture," and try to have as much fun as possible in the process. Try using props like costumes or dynamic lighting and interesting backgrounds that will help make your self portrait stand out.
All in all, self-portraiture can be a fun break from the demands of working with subjects. The shoot can last as long as you want it and there's no pressing deadline for getting it right. In fact, because the only person you have to deal with is you, the only limit on your self-portrait shoot is your own imagination.
Autumn Lockwood is a writer for Your Picture Frames. Shop online and see our selection of black picture frames in a wide variety of tones, styles and sizes. Visit our website and see our unique black picture frames or call 1-800-780-0699.
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