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Courtesy of Angela Heidt

As a photographer, you’ll often sift through your past images and think “where am I?” Being behind the camera is fun, but if you can combine your photographic skills while being in front of the camera you can have fun and get some great shots of yourself.

So, how do you take great self-portrait photos? Here are some tips:

No Mirrors!!

Courtesy of Okko Pyykko

We’re not posting selfies to Facebook here, so get out of the bathroom and figure out how to get in front of the camera, rather than behind it. This may involve a small investment in a cable trigger for your camera, or free apps like TriggerTrap for your iPhone. A stable surface or tripod is also recommended. Tethering your camera to a laptop so you can see a larger image of the results can also help you cut down on preparation and review.

Caveat – if you can find a way to artistically include the camera/mirror in your shot then go for it.

Doll it Up

Unless you are capturing a “real moment” (like this one of me running my first 10k of the year), you probably want to spend a bit of effort on your appearance. For shots including shoulders, arms, or torso you also want to consider your wardrobe. Try some shots with just the minimum, then go all out with makeup and accessories for a bit of glamour. Don’t forget to let your natural personality shine through.Backgrounds and Lighting
Simple backgrounds and natural lighting, that’s all you really need. Find a large window that lets in indirect sunlight, add a few lamps if necessary. Or go outside! A reflector can also come in handy so you don’t get too much of a silhouette; unless that’s the look you’re going for.

Act Natural

Courtesy of Eduardo Santos

Fake smiles look like smirks, while stoic coolness can look like boredom. Try for natural – if you’re having trouble then try reading something, reciting a limerick, or sing your favourite song. Don’t think about the camera and let your natural personality shine through.

Look Deep

The eyes really are the windows to the soul, so you want to look into the camera, or just slightly off-camera, for the most intense portraits. However, some great self portraits can be created by turning to the side or completely away from the camera, depending on the mood you are looking for. It’s all about experimentation, so try it all.

Get Focused

Sometimes out of focus can be used creatively…otherwise make sure it’s sharp!
Courtesy of Angela Heidt

The trickiest part is to get the focus right. Make sure that your focal point (eyes, mouth, back of head, etc.) is as sharp as possible. How do you do this while in front of the camera? Well, you need a stand in. If no people are available you can use a stuffed animal. Once you have focus turn your autofocus off (it’s a switch on your lens) so it stays locked. Go for a large aperture (such as f/2.0 ) for blurry backgrounds, or a small aperture (f/16, for example) if you want the background sharp.

Time and Burst

If you don’t have a way to remotely trigger your camera, then using a timer is the logical choice. If your camera supports multiple shots (or burst mode) then turn it on – it will let you capture micro expressions and avoid the dreaded “I keep blinking!”

In the end your self-portrait images should say something about who you are, what you like/dislike, hobbies, moods, etc. It should say something about who you are, not just be another “pretty face.” And you absolutely don’t have to shoot in black and white, although starting without having to worry about colors can help you focus more on the details and composition.

Check out this Pinterest Board for some great inspiration and thanks for reading!