Related reminder: only a few days left to get The Art of Portrait Photography at 80% Off
Although you might think that a photographer would love taking a self portrait, it’s actually one of the most difficult pictures to take. With self portraits you don’t have the advantage of looking through the lens and carefully composing your image, so it can be real tricky to get it right. But with that being said, there are a few important tips you can use to make taking your self portrait a whole lot easier.
Photo by Wesley Nitsckie
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. This delayed timer will give you between 5-10 seconds (depending upon the camera) to push the timer and to run into the picture area just before the shutter releases. This isn’t ideal, but it will work in a pinch.
Remote or Wireless Shutter Releases
A remote shutter release will allow you to activate your shutter without having your finger on the trigger. 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 range in price from about $30 for wired versions to $50 for wireless, or you can build one yourself if you’re tech-minded (there are some great “how-to’s” for this available on the web).
Recruit a Friend
In almost every case (unless you can measure the distance and set your focus appropriately), it’s best to have someone sit so you can make sure the composition and focus are right on. 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.
Be Honest
Remember that a photographer’s job is to tell the truth. It can be tempting in self-portraiture to only shoot images that show us in a positive light, but in all circumstances the integrity of the final image should take precedence over our sensitivity.
Photo by Andrea Parrish – Geyer; ISO 200, f/9.0, 1/60-second exposure.
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. If the image tells the story you wanted to tell, whether or not you look “good” in it is secondary.
Get Your Lighting Right
Getting perfect lighting while shooting a self portrait can be quite challenging. If you use a stand-in, unless they have almost the exact same skin tone as you, there will need to be adjustments made throughout the shoot to create ideal light. The best approach is to set your camera on a full manual setting so you can adjust every photograph without being at the mercy of the camera’s internal sensors.
As far as actual “lights” go, you can use desk lamps, natural light, floor lamps, and/or your camera’s native flash to build an environment that works for what you’re trying to accomplish. 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 like with other types of portraiture, taking your self portrait requires a bit of creativity and thought. Use your imagination to think of ways that you can present yourself in different ways from the standard portrait. Try using props like costumes or dynamic lighting and interesting backgrounds that will help make your self portrait stand out.
Photo by cheriejoyful; ISO 500, f/1.8, 1/200-second exposure.
So, have fun taking your self portrait as it can be a fun break from the demands of other portraits. With self portraits, there are no pressing deadlines so take as much time as you need to get it right. In the end, it’s your own imagination that is your only limitation in getting the self portrait that you’ve always wanted.
About the Author:
Autumn Lockwood is a writer for Your Picture Frames. Shop online and see our selection of distressed picture frames in a wide variety of colors, styles and sizes.
For Further Training, Deal Ending Soon:
Do you know what subject generally scares the daylights out of new photographers? Photographing people! This eBook is designed to help you become a master of portraits with insider secrets used by professionals and more. It contains 214 pages of in-depth easy learning packed with illustrations, case-studies and assignments to verify your knowledge. It is currently 80% until the end of the month if you want to check it out.
The Art of Portrait Photography at 80% Off (Learn more)
Do you have lots of photographs of barns, fences, plates of food, and landscapes? But portraits – not so much? Don’t worry. We’ve all been in that same boat. Author, and professional photographer, Kent DuFault, has put over three decades of experience into this eBook. If it’s happened in a portrait session, it’s happened to him. His pain is your gain.
Deal found here: The Art of Portrait Photography at 80% Off
Go to full article: How to Take a Self Portrait
What are your thoughts on this article? Join the discussion on Facebook
PictureCorrect subscribers can also learn more today with our #1 bestseller: The Photography Tutorial eBook
The post How to Take a Self Portrait appeared first on PictureCorrect.
from PictureCorrect https://ift.tt/381ZgBj
via IFTTT
0 kommenttia:
Lähetä kommentti