With the popularity of smartphones and compact digital cameras, there are a lot more self portraits being snapped these days. One look on Facebook, Twitter or any other social media platform and you will see daily (if not hourly) doses of photos snapped of camera owners, thanks to an outstretched arm and a lightweight digital picture-taking device.
Of course, not all of the self portraits posted on social media sites are frame worthy. I’ve seen some pretty bad shots of people trying to take photos of themselves, be it at a big event like a concert or lounging at a fancy pool in order to make friends and family members jealous.
Regardless of why you are taking the picture, consider these tips before hitting the shutter button:
Background: Unless you are taking a picture of Hugh Jackman snuggling up to you during a chance meeting on the streets of New York, then it would behoove you to choose your backdrop carefully. Ideally, you want to avoid distracting backgrounds, since they will compromise the overall look of the self portrait. Look for simple, uncluttered backgrounds, such as a wall, a fence or the ocean to snap a self portrait.
Tripod: If you are serious about taking stunning self portraits, a tripod is a must. The photo tool is invaluable when you need an extra set of hands during a shoot. Not only does a tripod secure your camera in place while allowing for adjustments, it also provides you with more control over the final image since your hands are freed up to pose gracefully for a picture.
Experiment with Angles: If you are shooting with a tripod, you have the option of experimenting with flattering camera angles during your self portrait session. Simply place the camera slightly above eye level and elongate your neck to avoid the look of a double chin. Finally, you can contribute to a self portrait shot by sitting with your body at a 45-degree angle to the camera to create a flattering perspective.
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