Any tips for taking great pictures of yourself by yourself?

Question

I take pictures only with myself because I'm not really comfortable posing around with people, so how can I take nice pics that dont really look like it's from myspace/ friendster or some networking site? I'm already experimenting with effects on Photoshop and lighting. I really want to improve the artistic quality of my photos. Any tips on positioning/ perspective or something better? I would really appreciate your answers. :)

Answer 1

I find that taking pictures of oneself is one of the highest forms of vanity.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Get a tripod. Learn to use the self-timer on your camera. Experiment with lighting, location and poses.

Your first thousand pictures or so will probably be lousy. But you'll find a few that really get what you want.

Then throw away the bad ones. And after that - and ONLY after that! - learn to use Photoshop ... first of all to "Optimize" your best shots.

Then you can start experimenting with "Enhancing" and "Manipulating" your pictures.

Remember, Photoshop is first and foremost a program that allows you to process and finalize an already good photograph.

Here's a tutorial that might help when you get to that point:
http://www.jimsdigitaldiary.com/photoshop.html

Answer 4

Have you got a tripod? Mounting your camera will be easier for you to manage. Soft lighting is the best form of light as well. Sometimes I use my bedside lamp to light images of products I shoot for ebay. If you put a piece of tracing paper over the light it will give you a soft focus. Then it is just a matter of experimenting in finding the correct angle for you. Any lighting below is not very flattering. Copy the angle of head, eyes and sholders from magazine pictures. Also, watch Americas Next Top Model for ideas on poses.

Answer 5

Use a tripod, don't hold the camera at arms length. Set up a mirrror behind the camera so you can seee what you look like. Use timed shutter release or a remote for your camera (obviously). Remote is best, since you have the time to pose. Watch your background.

Answer 6

You have to get a bigger flash or two with a slave to fire it without wires all over. When the tiny camera flash fires,it'll trigger the big ones.Get a book on George Hurrell, who photographed Hollywood stars in the 40s. Study the shadows and put your lite(s) opposite. Moving lites around is a long lost art, but well worth studying.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

I've been using mirrors --like one that makes me look like I'm in a picture on the wall if that makes sense.

I also took another one where I'm lying on the bed and raise my arm up above me and it isn't in the shot. That turned out cool. It took a TON of shots to get one that worked but it was fun.

Also I am taking pictures of my shadows a lot, too.

Here's a girl on flickr who took a picture of herself every day for a year (you could do that --might stretch your thinking.): http://www.flickr.com/photos/trishabrunner/sets/72157594466713962/


Best of luck to ya! Hope that's helpful.

Answer 9

if you prop your camera up on a shelf that's at the height you want it to be at and you look stright at the camera, it might look like someone else took the picture

Answer 10

Smile!

Answer 11

if your camera has a timer on it, then play with the angles. Just have fun with it.