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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> How do you do self-portrait
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Showing posts 1 - 19 of 19, (reverse)
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 04/12/2006 11:23:38 PM · #1
I think its a crazy question, but how do you guys make self portrait (without the help of someone in the room). how do you focus your eyes or nose ....

thanks a lot
 04/12/2006 11:27:08 PM · #2
For some of mine I've used a stand in for framing/focusing, others I've looked at where the focus area is and try to squeeze myself in the frame. Having a remote release for the camera you're using helps a ton with this.
 04/12/2006 11:40:34 PM · #3
Once I get my remote (ordered and on its way) it'll be a lot easier. In the meantime I use one of my lightstands as a stand-in for focusing, and mark the floor at the focus position so I know where to stand once I move the lightstand. I focus the lens and then switch to manual so it stays in position, then use the self-timer to shoot.

~Terry
 04/12/2006 11:42:31 PM · #4
Originally posted by ClubJuggle:
Once I get my remote (ordered and on its way) it'll be a lot easier. In the meantime I use one of my lightstands as a stand-in for focusing, and mark the floor at the focus position so I know where to stand once I move the lightstand. I focus the lens and then switch to manual so it stays in position, then use the self-timer to shoot.

~Terry


I do exactly what Terry does...it's actually quite fun...running back and forth to beat the timer then see what your shot ended up like...it's kinda like a short exercise!!!
 04/12/2006 11:45:14 PM · #5
I'm thinking that trying to do self portraits without help is a great reason to invest in a giant teddy bear. You could put the bear in your place while you do focus then move it for the picture. I've always wanted a good reason to buy a giant teddy bear!

Oh. Wait. I don't do pictures of me.

Still, a darn good reason to get a bear, don't you think?
 04/13/2006 12:12:28 AM · #6
You know this is my first submission in this forum 'photography discussion' and i am amazed to see the responses.
This weekend i will try to do what 'clubjungle' says. i dont have a remote, but i will use the timer.
i wonder how i am going to make the lighting look good !!
04/13/2006 12:14:06 AM · #7
I sometimes will position myself where I want the shot and then focus on the tripod... Another technique to try!
 04/13/2006 12:17:22 AM · #8
First you need a GIANT vat of wax and some sculpting tools... ok... maybe not.

I have used (dumb as it may sound) a balloon with a smiley drawn on it as a stand in though. Strangely most of my friends liked the balloon picture better though :(
 04/13/2006 12:56:57 AM · #9
Guess and check. Trial and error. Or I shoot and hope for the best and use what I get.
 04/13/2006 01:08:42 AM · #10
if you take 100 photos....maybe one will be in focus....thats what I do
 04/13/2006 01:13:47 AM · #11
:)
Auto Focus, Auto Shoot.
 04/13/2006 02:20:13 AM · #12
The best tip I could give (and believe me, I've made this mistake several times) - is to point the camera lens at yourself.
 04/13/2006 03:55:07 AM · #13
I've done the self-timer and the remote-release thing several times. It takes a fair bit of trial and error but you can get good shots.

The other way is to use a mirror. Easy to do, but tricky to do well.
 04/13/2006 03:56:56 AM · #14
usually, I use a camera
 04/13/2006 06:59:51 AM · #15
I just got a wireless remote release.

If I leave the camera on auto-focus, it will focus and shoot two seconds after pressing the remote. You have to take into account your focus point, though. If you're in full auto mode (which I never am) it takes the closest point, if you're in green-P (which I usually am) you can set your focus point. My focus point is always set to the centre because when I shoot handheld I usually focus-recompose-shoot. But sometimes you want to be to a side in a self portrait, so it's easiest to change the focus point.
 04/13/2006 09:52:30 AM · #16
I see you have the Rebel XT. In your software package, there is the Canon Remote Shooter. It comes in handy when you do studio self-portraits.
You connect your camera to your PC/Laptop with the USB cable. You take the picture (with a remote if possible), and you can check on your computer screen whether the framing and focus are good. You don't need to look at the back of your camera anymore. (If you cannot swing your TFT around, that is.)

Things become tricky when you have to do the makeup, the lighting, the modelling and the shooting at the same time.

04/13/2006 10:04:08 AM · #17
This is too funny. I thought I was the only one that is crazy, focusing on teddy bears, lamps, etc., setting the timer and then running to pose. I normally get at least one "focused" photo out of about 10. I do not feel as silly anymore.

Sample

Message edited by author 2006-04-13 10:07:58.
 04/13/2006 10:25:26 AM · #18
I have been using my Sony DSC-S85 for years to take mine. I love it and it's the main one I use for SP's. It's a little point and shoot that I got almost 4 years ago.... but it gives me perfect pics everytime!

I guess since I have been using it so long, I know what the right angle is to hold it at. I hold it in one hand and shoot. I have used it on a tripod once or twice... but I like the portraits that are in your face as well as mine. :)

I took this one with the Sony and hand held it:


I haven't mastered holding the D70 yet. It's a bit too big and clunky to hold in one hand and snap the picture with the same hand. So, if I use it, I use it on the tripod and use my wireless remote. I don't always get "the perfect" picture, or get the picture I was hoping for.... but sometimes the mistakes are just as beautiful!

This is a mistake picture... I was too close and didn't realize it until I looked at the pics on the computer:


All the pictures in my Me gallery are self portraits.

Good Luck and have fun! :)
Lorrie
 04/13/2006 12:07:53 PM · #19
Luck and a whole lot of prayers?

Seriously.
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