In this lesson: Study yourself to make great self-portraits

To take a self-portrait is to learn more about yourself because you must confront the duality of being the model and the photographer… the predator and the prey.

An exploration of creating a self-portrait is a good one for all photographers to engage in throughout their career, but it is especially important for beginners.

But why?

It’s simple, really! Self-portraits require patience, intuition, and skill.

Now, these days, most self-portraits are likely taken with a mobile phone. And while that’s certainly an option, you can also take a self-portrait with your DSLR or mirrorless camera. Doing so is certainly more of a challenge because you have to know where to be, where to position the camera, how to trip the shutter, and be in two places at one time (in front of the camera and “behind” it, managing all the controls) – all while freeing your mind enough to make a verdant image with impact.

Since Boot Camp is all about challenging yourself, we want you to practice your self-portrait skills with your DSLR or mirrorless camera.

Challenge Activity

As seen in the sample of the self-portrait of the couple, try holding the camera in a position away from your face so that you can make a portrait, and challenge yourself to include all or part of your face in the frame.

A self-portrait is a metaphor for the ways we relate to ourselves. As a result, make sure to also include an environment that can tell the viewer something about you. Do you often work in a kitchen? Do you like to be outdoors? Are you a bookworm? What can the background say about you?

Step 1: Scout for locations that contain reflection opportunities and bring a tripod, as this will likely be the easiest way to get a self-portrait. Look for water, mirrors, glass, and other surfaces that will give the viewer a good glimpse of who you are.

Step 2: Position your camera to maximize the benefit of reflecting your image into the lens. Practice poses in advance. Check your results on the LCD screen, noting the factors that make a good photograph that we’ve discussed thus far in Boot Camp – consider the framing, your positioning in the frame, lighting, composition, and the like.

Step 3: Make a series of variably posed images that will give you enough to select from so that you can feel comfortable sharing them with viewers. Keep in mind that good self-portraits are not about vanity. They are good because they share the humanity and honesty of the moment.