Tips for self portraits? - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

03/01/2007 09:43:12 AM · #1

Hello,

I would like to start a self portrait project
I saw some of you have just amazing self portraits series

Do you have some dummies suggestions on

- Focussing?
- Interesting readings?
- Inspirational portfolios

Thanks

Elvis_L

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

03/01/2007 10:17:28 AM · #2

check out either of the 30 day self portrait threads for inspiration. as for focusing put something where you are going to be then focus and set the timer. move the object and pose.

i think my wife takes cool SPs

Jaded_youth ain't she cute:)

here is her self portrait portfolio

Message edited by author 2007-03-01 10:18:16.

Brad

Olympus OM-D E-M1

Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO M.Zuiko

03/01/2007 10:24:54 AM · #3

Only suggestion I can offer is smile!

A woman's genuine smile and the depth in her eyes are an amazing
combination with an impact more powerful to the viewer than anything else.

Matthew

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Peleng 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye MC In M42 Mount

03/01/2007 11:03:33 AM · #4

Work out, plastic surgery, haircut, new clothes... and a tripod!

xXxscarletxXx

Nikon D80

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5- 5.6G ED DX

03/01/2007 11:05:38 AM · #5

If you'd like to go here...30days number 1 and here...30 days number 2
Im sure you'll find some interesting stuff ^_^

TCGuru

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

03/01/2007 11:15:19 AM · #6

Well, the only thing I can recommend is make sure you are in front of your camera before you focus :) LOLOL

But seriously, check out the SP thread... it is Great!! Pay attention to

Louis,

Jaded_Youth,

xXxscarletxXx,

shannylee13, and

Jutilda.

:)

ETA:

escapetooz HOW did I forget her??!!!! She did some amazing work too :)

Message edited by author 2007-03-01 11:56:06.

jenesis

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

03/01/2007 11:18:25 AM · #7

A tripod and a remote will help tremendously. That and some creative thinking. :) But most of all, have fun!

Gordon

RIM BlackBerry Curve

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

03/01/2007 11:20:37 AM · #8

Use a tripod. Take the camera to where you are going to be, and focus on the tripod then set the camera to manual and put it back on the tripod. Instant simple focusing.

Cindy Shermann is probably a good place to start for inspiration, she made a 30+ year career out of self portraits.

Some sort of interval timer is a huge improvement over using the 10 second delay in the camera. I know canon makes one and I assume Nikon does the same. These let you set a variable delay between taking the shot - 1 second to 9 hours and also set a variable delay between shots, so you can take one a minute for 5 hours or whatever.

This really helps with doing anything beyond the simplest self portraits. I used a similar remote timer for most of these shots.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

03/01/2007 11:41:35 AM · #9

Thank you all for the links and the suggestions

I like the focus on the tripod tip

I have a tripod and a remote control (that works when it wants but itâ��s another trip).
Iâ��ll wait some more year for the surgery but new clothes is a good suggestion (now I finally have a good excuse) lol

Sory, haven't seen that there is already a SP thread

jenesis

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

03/01/2007 11:43:16 AM · #10

Originally posted by Gordon:

Use a tripod. Take the camera to where you are going to be, and focus on the tripod then set the camera to manual and put it back on the tripod. Instant simple focusing.

Very useful tip! :)

harmsusmc

Canon EOS-30D

03/01/2007 11:58:33 AM · #11

Originally posted by Gordon:

Some sort of interval timer is a huge improvement over using the 10 second delay in the camera. I know canon makes one and I assume Nikon does the same. These let you set a variable delay between taking the shot - 1 second to 9 hours and also set a variable delay between shots, so you can take one a minute for 5 hours or whatever.

Where would you get a timer/remote like this? This sounds really interesting...

Elvis_L

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

03/01/2007 12:01:43 PM · #12

Originally posted by harmsusmc:

Originally posted by Gordon:

Some sort of interval timer is a huge improvement over using the 10 second delay in the camera. I know canon makes one and I assume Nikon does the same. These let you set a variable delay between taking the shot - 1 second to 9 hours and also set a variable delay between shots, so you can take one a minute for 5 hours or whatever.

Where would you get a timer/remote like this? This sounds really interesting...

timer remote runs about $140 which is why i don't have it yet but it si very cool.

edited to add that it doesn't list your camera but it is compatible.

Message edited by author 2007-03-01 12:02:18.

Brielle

03/01/2007 12:08:15 PM · #13

Dreamy, you can pick up a remote for your D50 for about $25. Just call your local camera shop. Sometimes they will need to order one in, but mine has saved me tons of time and effort when working on SP's.

03/01/2007 12:21:20 PM · #14

I just bought this one from e-bay remote
but it functions only from time to time

trying to solve it with the seller

Brielle

03/01/2007 12:56:00 PM · #15

Originally posted by dreamy:

I just bought this one from e-bay remote
but it functions only from time to time

trying to solve it with the seller

That's the one...might try changing the battery, too.