7 Ways to Look Good in Your Self Portraits

Self portraits are one of the most intimidating types of photography to capture, but it is also the best way to learn the basics of portrait photography. When I first started taking my photography seriously, I took pictures of myself. My children grew tired of me constantly using them as my models while I was learning. So, I became my go to model and learned a lot about posing, lighting and being natural in front of the camera. Over the years, I have taken hundreds of pictures of myself and each one has helped me become the photographer I am today. What I have learned, I share with you because I want you to be comfortable and enjoy capturing yourself.

Taking self portraits is powerful. With each image you take, you are telling a story and sharing who you are. That is, if you choose to share your portraits. The internet is a blessing and a curse. The blessing is information is right at your fingertips. The curse is all the information can make you doubt who you are and fall into the comparison game. No one wins at the comparison game. Your portrait is unique to you and only you. What makes you unique tends to be what draws the viewer to your portrait in the first place. When you share your portrait, tell a story with it and be proud.

Here are a few things to consider when creating your own self portraits:

Share your vulnerable moments. You know the ones I am talking about. The ones without all your make up, the unorganized home or your screaming child in the background. Noone is perfect and you are not expected to be. Capturing yourself in your real life situations is part of your story. Embrace them.

Invest in a remote or learn to use your self-timer. Not every self portrait you take has to be at arms length. With a remote or self-timer, you can show more of yourself in your pictures. You can create different kinds of stories when you open up how you see yourself in your portraits.

Extend and project out. Avoid the double chin look by pushing your chin out and extending your neck from your shoulders. On America’s Next Top Model, Tyra Banks tells the models to make their necks look long by knowing their angles and projecting out. It makes a big difference!

Don’t look at the camera. Every picture you take does not have to be of you looking at the camera. Look off to the side or capture yourself in motion. Candid shots are ideal for telling stories with your images. I like to change my candid images black and white for a more dramatic feel.

Look at the camera. I have not seen the Mona Lisa in person, but I have heard from friends who have seen her that it feels like her eyes are following you around the room. Now, I am not suggesting you creep people out by taking pictures of yourself staring into the camera lens, but I am saying create a level of intimacy between you and the viewer by looking at the camera. Your eyes speak volumes. Let them be the focal point of your portrait.

Take lots of pictures. And, I mean lots of them. Try different angles and poses. Photograph yourself smiling, laughing, singing and even crying. You don’t have to share everything you photograph, but seeing the range of emotions and how your face changes will help you find “your best side” and help you become comfortable with the unique qualities of your face. Try taking pictures in the same location at different times of the day. Light quality changes and you can create drama simply by changing the time of day you take your pictures.

Use reflective surfaces in your portraits. Some to consider are windows, water, mirrors and even your silverware can be used for reflective portraits. Reflective surfaces are abundant and add a different, creative perspective to your portraits.

Tell a story with your portraits. The images you may think are not “good enough” are usually the ones that gives more insight into your story. Don’t be afraid to share who you are. That’s who we all really want to see anyway.