Oh Snap: Self-Portraits

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 28^th 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.

Comments

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