How to Take Fun Photographs of Yourself

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By artfuldancer
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In the Window

How to create a fun, artistic self portrait.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

You
A setting you like with mirrors or windows
Your camera
Favorite props
Hat
Scarf
A Swimming pool reflecting in the background of the window
Check what is reflected in the background of the window as your props

Step 1

I'm in the Reflected Hot Zone PC12

Prior to the day of your shoot, take a mental walk around.
Look, think about, or search for a spot you feel comfortable in, that may have windows near.
This could be your house or a shopping area, where ever you might go or be that has the window.
You may want to be surrounded by greenery or cityscape but focus on finding your "background" area.
You might want to be seated or standing, so consider that as well.
Step 2

Once you know where the window is, make sure you look the way you want to look on your shoot day.
Check hair, make up if needed,hats, colors you look best in and clothing.
Do you want to look formal, dressy, casual, friendly, sporty? Then dress accordingly.
Also practice your "natural" smile.
Did I say that? Yes.
Practice your "natural smile". This means look at yourself and how you look best smiling.
It shouldn't be forced, it should not be a grimace.
That is if you want to look friendly.
Again, practice with your face and see how it looks when you try out different expressive "looks".
Think of the reason for your self portrait.
Is this for work, or family,friends,play or art and so forth.
Step 3

Once your ready as far as your own appearance, then think about the lighting.
Would you rather be in shadows, or bright sunshine, or sunset light, or the neon windows in Las Vegas, which can be a wonderful light to photograph in, as well as sunrise, and then get to your window at that time.
Be dressed and ready to work with your image as it looks in the window.

Stand in front of the window and "get into the window" as well, in terms of seeing your own reflection the way you want it to look in the window.
When you go to shoot the image, make sure that YOUR REFLECTION in the window is what you are focusing on.

Take the shot.
Try taking several shots, working with flash or no flash options as well.

Position yourself in different positions and see what looks centered, balanced, or not.

Later, you can edit all these images, and find your favorites.

Comments

artfuldancer said

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on 10/10/2009 This article was a lot of fun to write and was inspired by a good friend of mine asking. I am glad if it helps.
And thank you both for posting your comments in the right space, provided here by eHow, to support eHow writers!