How to Take Quality Self-Portraits

Self-portrait photos are part of your online image. We all want self-portraits to look appealing yet spontaneous. But simply holding the camera, framing the shot and focusing are more problematic when we turn the camera on ourselves. Many people just keep shooting until they happen to take an acceptable picture, but a number of techniques leave less to chance in the quest for quality self-portraits.

Instructions

Set the stage for your self-portrait. Look behind you to make sure there is no mess, clutter or unsightly distractions. On the other hand you don't need a formal drop-sheet background. Make objects in the background blurry and less intrusive by shooting with a shallow depth of field.

Shoot in good lighting. A professional photographer carries a specialized lighting kit, but this is unnecessary for informal self-portraits. Find a spot were the main light source is in front of you and above or to one side. Soft, diffused light is considered most flattering. This can come from a north-facing window or a large skylight in a museum, mall or university building, or shoot outside on a cloudy day. Bright sunlight may provide interesting effects, but it also creates harsh shadows. Avoid shooting when the main light source is behind you.

Use a tripod and your camera's self-timer mode to help position yourself properly in the frame. Place a stuffed animal or other object where you will sit, focus and frame your shot, then swap places with the object as the timer is counting down. Set the camera on a table or other stable surface if you don't have a tripod.

Hold the camera with your arm outstretched for on-the-fly pictures. Turn the camera upside down and press the button with your thumb. This is often less awkward than trying to hold it right side up. Place a mirror behind the camera so that you can see the reflection of the video monitor.

Take a photo of your reflection in a mirror. Turn off the flash and remember that any writing on your shirt will be reversed. Use a photo-editing program to flip the picture horizontally to remedy this situation.

Play with the angle of the camera and the direction of your gaze to create interesting and unusual compositions. Raise the camera above your head and angle it down at about 45 degrees, or place it on the floor angled up at you. Emphasize parts of your body other than your face, or using your self-timer, place yourself to one side of the frame rather than in the center. Look at an object in the picture or focus on something off-screen to break from the norm of looking directly into the camera. Choose from these techniques to create high-quality, traditional self-portraits or more artistic images to capture your viewer's attention.

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