Photography the Photographer. How to Take A self portrait?

[UrbanCowgirl]

Heya,

About me:

Im a 16 year old photographer, going into photography as a career. I've been doing it for quite a while now; It all started with a sony compact camera I'd gotten for christmas, and quickly became a passion. I now shoot with a NikonD3000 and have a 50mm prime lens, a 55-200mm lens, a tripod, and some home-made reflectors.

Most of my picutres I've taken are of my cats or horses, but I also have some great portraits of my friends, landscapes, and objects. I have so many great pictures now, but so few of myself. I'd like to have more pictures of myself, but can't afford a professional photographer, and none my friends are at my level so...

The Question(s):


What do you guys do when you want to get a picture of yourself? How do you take a self portrait/Any tips or advice? Also, how about the focusing? I can't figure out how to get the focusing right for a self portrait.

Thanks A lot (:

Blessed be <3

[PowerPix]

Oh, I thought this was a thread targeted at the member whose username is "Photography"....(Photography the photographer, how to take a self portrait) how fitting.

Anyway, yeah, that's a long story.

The easiest way for a self portrait is to compose your shot and use timer and a tripod. Focus on where you plan to be. I totally know how you feel about the friends not being at your level, mine are the same way. They just don't "get it". Welcome to DPS! Cheers!

[faeriegodess612]

Your lenses should have a switch on the sides for auto focusing or manual focusing. Have friend or large stuffed animal be your point to focus on, and use the auto to focus by pressing the shutter half way, then switch the lens to manual, set the camera to self timed, push the shutter, and get into position. Or the easy way would be to get a remote release cord. I just bought one today on Amazon for a grand total of $33 with shipping. This is the one I got, but its listed as more here. The friend can also be your stand in for getting the lighting right. Or, use said friend, and have them pose as you want to be posed, set up the shot in camera with the settings you want, then switch with friend, and tell them,.."Just press the shutter, don't make any changes."

Just a few thoughts,...

[Jim Poor]

Originally Posted by UrbanCowgirl

Also, how about the focusing? I can't figure out how to get the focusing right for a self portrait.

Stand where you will be for the portrait and manually focus on the stud that holds your camera to the tripod. Mount the camera and walk back to the location you focused from.

[gturner]

and don't use a wide aperture, the depth of focus makes it very hard to get the focus accurate.

Sometimes a use a remote shutter release...



Sometimes I use the self-timer...



either way, my camera actually focuses before it takes the picture.. so unless the focus is really tricky.. it is going to find me anyway.

[mikerob2334]

Originally Posted by Jim Poor

Stand where you will be for the portrait and manually focus on the stud that holds your camera to the tripod. Mount the camera and walk back to the location you focused from.

Anyone ever have that "well I feel stupid, why didn't I think of that" feelings? I just did!
Thanks for the idea Jim

[mad editor]

Originally Posted by Jim Poor

Stand where you will be for the portrait and manually focus on the stud that holds your camera to the tripod. Mount the camera and walk back to the location you focused from.

Thank you for that brilliant, yet really logical, answer!

[mosgood]

Good tips here! Also try a few different poses for each photograph. That way you're bound to find one you like. Also don't shoot wide open...I'd set the aperture around F8 or so.

Good luck!

[mshockley]

Originally Posted by mikerob2334

Anyone ever have that "well I feel stupid, why didn't I think of that" feelings? I just did!
Thanks for the idea Jim

Ya know I have that feeling often after I read something from Jim! He's seems a pretty smart guy!