In a previous blog I discussed some ways to improve your self portrait shots without having to invest in an expensive DSLR. Buying a tripod is a great first step. However, if you take a fair amount of photos of yourself, you will also want to budget for a remote control or trip handle.
The former is available with most digital cameras and allows you to activate your camera’s shutter with the simple push of a button attached to a mobile device. Meanwhile, the latter is a long cord that screws into the camera and allows you to press the shutter button without being behind the lens. The downside to the trip handle is that it is rather cumbersome and can appear in your photo if you are not careful when setting up your shot.
If you don’t have the means to purchase either, then get to know your camera’s self timer. The feature is standard on most basic digital cameras and triggers a delay of about 15 seconds from the time you hit the camera’s shutter button until the time when the photo is snapped. Fifteen seconds is not a lot of time to get into place in front of the camera, so you will have to act quickly and precisely if you want everything to be perfect before the photo is taken.
Regardless of what method you use to take a self portrait you will want to put your best face forward. To do so, experiment with different angles prior to pressing the shutter button. If you have a narrow face, you will want to angle your head towards the light. This will highlight your best features and create definition. Conversely, if you have a wide face, turn away from the light in order to create flattering shadows.
Depending on how you plan to use your self portrait, it’s a good idea to decide upon a composition prior to setting up your shot. Do you want to take a full-length, three-quarter length or close-up shot? In addition, consider whether or not you are going to include props into the shot, so that you can set-up the scene accordingly. By knowing what you want the final image to look like, you can adjust the angles and focus before stepping foot into the frame.
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Basic Photo Tips for Digital Camera Owners
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Telling A Story With Your Shots