Whether it be for Facebook, work, etc., seems we all need a good photo of ourselves at some point and there's not always someone around when we need them. So, here are some tips for taking a great self portrait, on your own, with your simple digital point and shoot camera.
Rule #1 - TURN OFF THE FLASH!I am not a fan of flash at all, for any photos really. And this is especially the case when you're taking a photo of yourself at close range. The flash will WAY over expose you, make you shiny, wonk up the coloring, etc., so just turn it off. If you don't know how to turn off the flash on your particular camera, Google it. Then, find yourself a nice window to sit in front of. Window lighting is by far the best lighting for portraits, which is why so many pro's use it for their photos. So, plop yourself down in front of a window with your flash disabled.
Rule #2 - Use Portrait ModeNowadays, many even basic model digital cameras have a "Portrait" mode to shoot in. This mode is normally shown as a picture of someone's profile. Don't have one? Do you have a picture of a flower? This is known as "macro" mode, and this would work as well. Both of these modes create a shallow depth of field, meaning that (if focused properly), the main subject is in sharp focus (that would be you) and then the background is blurred.
Rule #3 - Position Your CameraHold your camera as far away from you as possible and position the camera above you so that you have to look up slightly (but don't tilt your whole head, just lift your eyes so that they are looking into the lens). About 45 degrees and slightly off to the right or left, depending on which hand you're using to hold your camera.
Rule #4 - Shoot, Review, then ReshootSo, take that first shot. Then look at it. Notice what might not be working. Is it angled too high? Are you centered in the photo? Are you the largest part of the photo? (if not, you should be... zoom) Does your hand or camera block the natural lighting you're using leaving dark shadows on your face? Are your eyes in sharp focus? Take note of what works and what doesn't and then change your position, reshoot and review.
Do this until you find one you like. This process is made much easier with auto focus, so make sure you're using that if your camera has it. But it's not absolutely necessary... the below shot was taken with manual focus, it just took a bit more trial and error to get the focus right.
Have you noticed something about these photos? Yup... black and white. Most digi cameras have a black and white mode (and or you can modify them to be black and white once they're uploaded to your computer). Again, don't know how to do that for your camera model? Then Google it. I personally prefer black and white for portraits. So give it a whirl and see what you think.
Most of all, have fun, smile, try different expressions. Play. Photography is supposed to be fun, and it's only when your having fun that you'll like the results.
And last but not least, can't get a good photo? Live on Maui? Call me.
If you want a professional shot, hire a professional. I'm running half price specials on portrait shoots for a limited time.
Go to www.TrishBarkerPhotography.com and contact us to set up a photo shoot today!
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