Lately on Instagram I've been posting some older self-portraits. Long before I started taking other people's photos…I took my own. I just couldn’t see myself paying a hefty price for something that I knew I could do, because no one was going to know my vision better than me…or know my kids better than me.
Its not easy taking your own photos...especially when you add a dog or small children, but for me it’s so rewarding. If you haven’t noticed by now I love taking photos! There is no greater feeling or the huge sense of accomplishment I feel when someone asks, “wow, who took your photos”, and I say, “Me”. If you ever wanted to take your own pictures, its possible and you don’t need expensive equipment or a thousand-dollar camera, but I do suggest a camera…not your phone.
Tips
- Purchase a tripod, believe it or not, they’re cheap and affordable. Wal-Mart sells one in stores for under $15 or check this one out at Amazon.
- Pre-plan - Check the weather, plans outfits and depending on the season choose a time of day where the sun isn’t going to be directly over you causing shadows or harsh lighting on those pretty faces. Do some research for ideas…Hello Pinterest!!
- Lighting is a photographers Best Friend! A person can have the most expensive camera, but still take horrible photos. Lighting is key when it comes to photography. Don’t get discouraged with overcast, believe it or not photos come out AMAZING in overcast, because you won't have harsh lighting or shadows.
- If you are working with small children under the age of 5 or depending on their attention span I would suggest getting a family member or friend to help you.
There are two options to take your photos:
- See if your camera has the capability to use a remote. Most Canon cameras have this function. Click here to see the Canon Remote I use, and for only $21.95 its awesome. You don’t need to purchase a name brand, but I do suggest reading the reviews before any purchase.
- Use the self-timer mode. Some cameras take up to 10 photos at a time, but you will have to walk back over to the camera to reset it and you will be limited and exhausted.
Personally, I prefer the remote. Unless you have that helper (Family/Friend) helping you out. Honestly, its all about personal preference, but if you're planning on taking your own photos more than once I would recommend investing in a remote. Its also great to have for family parties or gatherings because you can capture a group shot of everyone.
Just put yourself out there and try it, even if its just you by yourself. One of my first assignments in Photography class was to take self-portraits. Its was fun and embarrassing, because I chose to take my photos on the Monmouth County Courthouse stairs and had a small audience. However, for my first time I think the results were pretty good…Judge for yourself and see below of some of my Favorite beginner self-Portraits moments. Again please keep in mind, the first two photos were my VERY First #DIY Self-Portrait attempts. Also, can you spot my remote?
I actually love this photo of myself, but there are a couple of issues with it. First, my Camera/tripod was way to close. As you can see, I almost cropped out the top of my head, and my favorite accessory (my shoes) didn't make the cut. This photo would have looked much better if I wasn't so close. Also, the sun/lighting was very harsh during that time of day...which is why I have a huge shadow on the left side of my face.
This was my first attempt to take DIY Family Photos. The only thing I really dislike in this photo is that my husband and my daughter Ismiah (right) had way too much sun exposure, versus my other daughter Thalia (left) and I were in the shade. I was able to lighten our faces a bit, but there wasn't much I could do regarding the over exposure on them or my husband squinting.
And then things start to get better. I absolutely Loved my DIY Pregnancy Announcements.
This was my first attempt to do a silhouette photography, and for a first timer, especially the fact that I was photographing myself, I think I nailed it.
Thanks for visiting! If you have any questions, please comment below.
Tiffany
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