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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> Self Portraits... How?
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 04/14/2007 07:16:10 PM · #1
Hello every one.
I was wondering about self portraits, and the best way to do them. I can never get a good one. they all look so plain and normal, and if they were on a wall, no one would stop to look at them... so how do i add some spunk to my portraits?

i have a IR remote for my camera,
And a tripod,
and 2 500 watt lights (Those huge ones for construction, i get a soft light from them by diffusing it with paper)
and my 2 lenses 14-45mm, and 40-150mm. What lense is the best to use for this?

With my equipment, what would you guys/Gals suggest?

thanks in advance.
 04/14/2007 07:23:08 PM · #2
Most of mine are done with no special equipment and the ten-second timer. My lighting is usually a skylight or a directional halogen lamp. Sometimes I use a tripod, sometimes it's just hand-held at arms-length. I think I do pretty well.

Camera on tripod, 10-second timer, skylight:


Hand-held camera, directional halogen desk lamp:


Mostly, self-portraits just take practice. You've got to experiment with angles and expressions. Once you know yourself as a model, you can take it to the next level.

Message edited by author 2007-04-14 19:25:40.
 04/14/2007 07:28:24 PM · #3
Just read one of the comments on your catty photo, about your eyes... how do you know where to look? or is it trial and error?
 04/14/2007 07:29:54 PM · #4
Trial and error. I rarely like photos where I'm looking at the camera. If I'm looking somewhere else, then it gives more of a sense of story.
04/14/2007 07:56:51 PM · #5
It is simple.. You Point and Shoot.

04/14/2007 08:04:12 PM · #6
put an object where u are going to be.. focus on it..take a photo to see the lighting and if you have the right aperture etc.. replace the object with you, and use your remote :) It will take a little bit to get your face in the right position but after a couple shots you'll get one thats sharp.

Some of myself :P



Message edited by author 2007-04-14 20:04:54.
 04/14/2007 08:30:04 PM · #7
I'd suggest taking a leaf out of scalvert's book. I seem to remember reading in a thread somewhere that he stated that he kept a notebook in which to jot down ideas when they occurred to him. In this way, you can brainstorm ideas for self-portraits and then work on refining those ideas and how to realise the final end-product. This means that, as these ideas are foremost in your mind, whenever you come across a suitable scene or prop, a possible use for it is that much closer to you.
 04/14/2007 08:48:09 PM · #8
Try searching the Forums for the ever interesting 30-Day Self Portrait Threads. There are a few of them and they're really fun/challenging. Just don't try to follow in Cindi's footsteps. You regret the results.

My 30-Day SP.
 04/14/2007 08:49:40 PM · #9




I think the trick is to just keep trying. Chances are you won't get a great self portrait on the first shot but if you think creativly and shoot LOTS, something will work.

Also.... props! Props can turn your boring portrait into a story told by a picture.

Message edited by author 2007-04-14 20:50:22.
 04/14/2007 08:51:09 PM · #10
Originally posted by _eug:
Try searching the Forums for the ever interesting 30-Day Self Portrait Threads. There are a few of them and they're really fun/challenging. Just don't try to follow in Cindi's footsteps. You regret the results.

My 30-Day SP.


D'oh! Busted again! ;)
 04/14/2007 08:55:51 PM · #11
For the past 202 days I have been shooting self portraits. You can view Project 31232 link below, or just go to a handful of images in my port here. Self Portraits
 04/14/2007 08:59:11 PM · #12
Check out the last 30 day SP challenge Lots of great shots to get you inspired and get ideas there!

I also keep a note pad handy a jot down ideas when they come to me.

Take heaps of shots too!
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