Ah, the word of 2013: selfie. The self-portrait has been around long before the first picture taken with a phone in a mirror. While some take selfies purely because they are narcissistic and egocentric people, there are others who use them as means of self-expression. If you think about it, no model will ever understand you as well as you do. For the sake of creative self-portraits, follow the steps bellow and don’t forget to have fun while you’re doing it.

Tripod

Forget mirrors and reflections. Do it like a real photographer and use a tripod. Set up the frame, mount the camera and tighten the tripod so that there will be no accidental movement to interfere with the shoot. If you don’t own a tripod, use a stable piece of furniture.

Remote or self-timer

This largely depends on how you want to look in the photo and if you want to have your hands free and visible or not. If you do, than the self-timer is probably the better option, but it can get annoying to wait for the shutter release. A remote is the best option as long as you can conceal it.

The light

This is the one thing that will set your photo apart from all the others, taken by non-photographers. If you want to take the photo indoors, take a day in advance to observe what time the best light enters the room or when you get soft light in front of a window. If you really want to be elaborate, set up some studio flashes and go crazy. The more carefully placed flashes, the more complex the image will look. All it takes is a little bit of time and patience.

Expressions

This is entirely up to how you behave on front of the camera and what you want to get out of the picture. If you are not normally comfortable or used to being in front of a camera, remember that you are all by yourself and there’s no pressure. You are the photographer and the talent in one. The possibilities can be really exciting and are limited only by your imagination and how far you are willing to go to explore it.

The editing

Editing a self-portrait can be a bit tricky. You come face to face with yourself and all your flaws. You might want to correct them or you could go for an all-natural look. The main thing is to remember the other stuff. Bring out the most from the light, and if the background isn’t ideal, which could be the case if you are using your kitchen, take care of those unwanted elements. Other than that, have fun!

Also Read:  41 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULDN’T DATE A PHOTOGRAPHER

Recommended Reading:

• 2013 Photographer's Market: The Most Trusted Guide to Selling Your Photography
• How to Create Stunning D igital Photography
• Best Business Practices for Photographers
• The Fast Track Photographer Business Plan: Build a Successful Photography Venture from the Ground Up
• Group Portrait Photography Handbook
• 500 Poses for Photographing Women
• The Best of Family Portrait Photography: Professional Techniques and Images
• 500 Poses for Photographing Group Portraits
• Selling Your Photography: Ho w to Make Money in New and Traditional Markets 
• Starting Your Career as a Freelance Photograp her
• Photographer's Survival Manual: A Legal Guide for  Artists in the Digital Age
• Legal Handbook for Photographers: The Rights and Liab ilities of Making Images
• Taking Stock: Make money in microstock creating photos that  sell
• Going Pro: How to Make the Leap from Aspiring to Professional Photographer