A Guide to Shooting Self-Portraits for Those Who Are Afraid to Try

[SandeeWig]

Originally Posted by Saralonde

No it won't. My first 365 was an incredibly bad shot of my feet . I may not have been great by the end, but I certainly improved over that one .

You will start thinking about the shot you want to take as the week goes by, and you will find some creativity you didn't know existed. That's why forcing yourself into a 365 or a 52 is a good photographic challenge.

I appreciate the encouragement. I'm still mulling it over, but really would like to at least start w/ the 52. I don't think I have the time to devote to 365 and wouldn't want to commit and not follow through. I can definitely figure out something one day a week!

Thanks again.

[chopstickjayne]

Maybe these questions will show my lack of understanding of the concept behind this - but I was wondering:
1. Is the goal to be physically present yourself in each shot? (does a self-portrait always necessitate including yourself physically - is that a dumb question???)
2. Did you include other people/pets/objects in some of your shots as well?
3. Did you ever set the scene and then have someone else shoot the picture or is that "cheating"?
4. What did you do with the collection once you were finished? - Did you put them in an album and then write something for each picture or do you let the pictures speak for themselves?

Trying to get the courage

Thanks!!

[KodiakStar]

1. Is the goal to be physically present yourself in each shot? Yes It doesn't have to be your face, but a part of you at least!

2. Did you include other people/pets/objects in some of your shots as well? You can, many do, depends on what you want to do. It's all about telling a story, a snapshot of your life. If its your real life, or a fictional one.

3. Did you ever set the scene and then have someone else shoot the picture or is that "cheating"? That would defeat the "self" portion of the portrait along with the bit of you being in it. Otherwise it would just be a portrait


4. What did you do with the collection once you were finished? - Did you put them in an album and then write something for each picture or do you let the pictures speak for themselves? Many will write a story, or a small note, some just put it up and let it speak for itself. It depends on what you want to share, and what you want your audience to see


52 is fun At first it was a chore, but I now begin to think "What am I going to do when the new week rolls around.. I wanted to do the 395, but knew I could not stick to it for many factors. But now am contemplating a second 52 but I won't go that far.

Go to the group, look around, see what its all about.. then test the waters
http://flickr.com/groups/fiftytwo/

[chopstickjayne]

hmmm...got me thinking seriously - thank you for answering all my questions. The flickr group looks like they are all really into this - you included! Very interesting!!

[peeperita]

what an entertaining and encouraging tutorial, linda...

i loved following your links.....especially your "walk like an egyptian" mummy shot.....

peeper

[WalkerSister]

Very helpful tips. I'm checking out your 365 album and I love it, so I've just decided to start a 52 (a 365 sounds too challenging for me at this time). I'm sure it will be a great way of practising, learning and overcoming my fear of self-portraits

[jlm513]

Thanks for this thread. I've been so tempted to do the 52 project. In fact, I am, just not of myself. I just really hate posting my pic for all to see. I am going to take baby steps... You just might see my face pop up in the flickr group. At least my hands or feet. ;-)

[FreedomPhotos]

Hi Saralonde
Thanks for the great information. I have started taking a few self portraits for various reasons and am intrigued by your methods. I really agree, it does make one think of a 'theme' for the next shot. Im going to give a 52 a go. Today is my start day.
Thanks again, all of your guys n gals experience is really an inspiration to us newbies.
Cheers Karen

[MarioG]

Wow, this is a daunting project. Very interesting, but difficult. I think, the major difficulty for me will be to be in front of the Camera. I am working now in trying to overcome being shy, and walking around with my DSRL, taking pictures of others, etc. This might be just what the doctor ordered.

I think I will start a 30 day project, and see how it goes.

Great posts! I am really enjoying DPS.

[Agata]

Thank you for taking time to write this. I hate self-portraits, mainly because I can't do them but also because I really don't like photos of myself. Nonetheless I still think that it's important to learn how to do it. So, I'll be happy to try. :-)

Thank you again! :-)