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Self Portrait Photography

Self Portrait Photography Tips That Will Inspire Your Creative Self!

Just what is self portrait photography, anyway? This specific type of photography can have many different meanings to different photographers. It is a portrait of the artist, taken by the artist. Some may wonder, why not just go into a photography studio and have the photographer take a picture of you, dressed in your Sunday best and posed in front of great lighting with a big grin on your face. We’ve all done it. Right? And there you have it, a portrait of yourself. Wrong.

There is a difference, creating self portrait photography portrait photography It is a form of artistic as well as self expression.

Creative Visualization

When thinking about your intended portrait, take a moment to think about how you want to be portrayed in your self portrait. We all have more than one side to us. What kind of emotion do you want to convey. You may know how to say what you want to photograph in words, but putting it into images is a different story. And it is a story that you are creating with your image.

Day dream for a while. Even meditate if necessary. In this state of mind, you may see images as a primary means of communication instead of words.

Reflect on your experiences. How do you see yourself? How do you think the world see’s you? How do you wish the world could see you? Draw from your life experiences, good, bad or indifferent.

Visual Communication

Your self portrait photography should be a means of communication. You are in a sense creating a personal symbol. Remember your portrait is all about you. Don’t make the mistake of including other people in your self portrait. When you do this it is no longer a self portrait. This should be all about you. So, when you think of yourself, for example, if you are a mom, taking a image of your child is no longer a self portrait. It maybe a portrait of you and your child or whom ever is in the photo, but it is not a self portrait.

When creating a self portrait, think about self expression. What is it that you want to say. There are as many ways of telling the viewer of your photograph something about yourself. Most people think that when they are creating a self portrait, that their face has to literally be in the picture. This does not have to be the case. Think about other ways that you can take a self portrait.

Inspiration For Creating Your Self Portrait Photography

Let’s say, for an example, you think of yourself as a drama queen.:) Theatrically speaking, of course! You might want to put some sort of crown on the top of your head. Put on some very form fitting clothes, or a big full length ball gown. You can sit in a chair, profile like, or stand. Near a wall place a bright light or two, such a flood light, direct the light onto the wall. Place your camera on a sturdy tripod. Set the self timer on your camera and pose yourself in a dramatic fashion so that your shadow shows up on the wall. Pose in a way that there is some portion of your self, along with the shadow that appears in the frame. For example, it could be a hand or your head, etc. Be creative. Stand still while the camera takes the shot of you and your shadow. This may take several shots before you get the one that gives the message of the drama queen that you are.

Keep in mind when creating your self portrait photography that your face does not have to be in the picture, or it can be, it up to you. But, a true self portrait should tell the viewer something about you, and show something of your personal self included in the picture frame, even if it is only your hands holding a book. What ever you do, have fun with it!