Photographing People: Part One

Shapes, light, and texture at play

The Self Portrait

You should love yourself. What better way to show yourself some love by taking a photo of yourself? Self-photography celebrates the individual, and is the best way to learn how to photograph people because it is easy to direct yourself. 

For many photographers, the thought of stepping in front of the camera incites extreme anxiety. But taking photographs of yourself teaches you how to do a very important thing: take flattering photographs. The self-portrait often reflects the very best part about you. By practicing this, you will be able to take that technique and use it when you are shooting others. 

Some tid-bits on the do's and don'ts of the self portrait:

Please Don't:

Let's not take booby shoots. 

There is a time and place for titties ladies - your self portrait is not one of them. If you can't find anything interesting about yourself besides your boobies, there's an issue with what you value about yourself.

Avoid the bathroom mirror picture

Taking pictures of yourself in the mirror is, like, so MySpace. 

Two words: ALIEN ARM

You know what I'm talking about, it's when you extend your arm forward take your shot at arm's length. Sure your face looks fantastic, but you have the dreaded alien arm making an appearance. Some easy ways to avoid the alien arm are to:

1) Use a self-timer, or remote if you are super fancy

2) Use a hand-held mirror to see what you are shooting

3) Tripod. If you don't have one, it's just as easy to balance your camera on a bookshelf, counter top, or anything else that is steady.

Please Do:

Make the main focus you <3

Everyone has something that they bring to the table. Choose your favorite features and put a spotlight on it. It can be something physical like your smile or eyes. You can also choose to shoot yourself in a setting that reflects who you are, like a soccer field or an art studio. Another way to reflect who you are is by using props. Whether it's a baseball bat to show you are athletic, or bubble gum to show that you are youthful and fun - props are a perfect way to create yourself into a character. 

You should take the time to create a portrait of yourself. Not only will you begin to learn how to photograph people, but you will be creating a piece that reminds you of why you are the bees knees. 

Cuz you are the bees knees :) Keep creating! Want more inspiration? Check out this amazing collection of self-portraits. :)

-Emily