Taking self-portraits is a good way to practice photography skills and try new ideas out without anyone else around to discourage you. I have been taking self-portraits since 2006. They might not be like Miss Aniela or Lucia Holm, but it still is my favorite kind of photography. You have endless possibility with self-portrait photography.
(This photo is not perfect, but it still conveys how I was feeling that day. The day that I took this photo was crazy and super windy outside. And because this photo is a little out of focused and blurry and my hair is messy made sense to me that this was a good photo.)
You do not need top of the line photo equipment and you can buy within your means. You do however need to understand a few basis photography skills like how to use your camera, lighting, ISO, aperture and composition this is just a few.
Here is what I shoot with right now a Canon Reble T2i Lens 50mm f/1.8IIv. I edite my photos in Photoshop CS5. You can read about my camer settings here.
(This photo was taken in my best friend’s bathroom in West Hollywood. I was staying with her for a week because I had lost my job and had some free time. I did not have a car while staying there so I had to keep myself busy.)
Taking mirror shots is a great way to start with self-portraits. You don’t necessarily need to stand in front a mirror holding your camera (like in the image above) you can take it a step further like this image by Miss Aniela.
(I was taking a self-portrait online class and this was the shot I used for my mirror image.)
(I took this photo on my 28th birthday)
Arm length photos are another great start, but do not limit yourself to this one. Put your camera down and step in front of it ;)
(I got the idea for this from here and I held my camera out in front of me. I would love to give this another go and try something a little different)
(this was one of the first photos I took using a 10 sec timer on my camera. I was at a park with my then boyfriend and he was sleeping and I really wanted to take a nap too, but instead I got this shot.)
A little bit more interesting. Both taken with a 10 sec timer.
I would love to get more into self-portrait photography and push the boundaries of what I know.
Here is a list of a few of my favorite self-portrait photographers.
This is just a few of the photographers that inspire me.
Ah, lovely! :) I've been craving self-portraits so much, lately - it is an awesome way to learn more about your camera!! off to check out the links...
Posted by: Michelle Clement | February 25, 2011 at 07:01 PM
these are great photos! you're too cute. i think the donut and toothbrush photos are my favorite!
Posted by: iris ashley | February 27, 2011 at 06:42 PM
I love your pink glasses so cute! All the pictures look so good. Do you use lots of photo shop?
peace
Missy
http://throughanindielens.blogspot.com/
Posted by: MIssy | February 28, 2011 at 01:54 PM
@Missy I photoshop all my photos. I will edit some photos more than others
Posted by: Vivianna | March 02, 2011 at 08:18 AM
Lovely! a toothpaste pic is my favorite :)
Posted by: memographer | January 19, 2012 at 12:17 PM