How-to Take the Best Self-Portraits
Self-portraits are slowly becoming one of my favorite types of photography. Why spend the time and money on a photographer or have to beg your significant other to take photos of you when you can do it yourself? No more Instagram boyfriend here, at least not all of the time ;)! All you will need are a few items and tips to start snapping!
Tripod/sturdy surface: One of the most vital things when it comes to self-portraits is having a sturdy surface. I recently invested in a new tripod, which you can find here. My new camera was just too heavy for the flimsy tripod I had purchased back in high school, so it was time for an upgrade. Your camera’s weight, your budget, and whether or not you want a lightweight or heavy tripod (a heavy tripod will be more sturdy but harder to lug around) are the most important factors you should consider when purchasing. My tripod is sturdy, I’ve used it on the sand, and it stayed put nicely. It is also pretty lightweight, a happy medium.
Camera: For my self-portraits (and all my photos) I use a Canon 6D 24-105mm f/4L. If you want a more blurred background, try to find a lens with a small aperture like this lens or this one, both are currently on my wish list.
Remote: The cheapest and one of the most useful pieces of camera equipment I have in my bag for self-portraits. Your remote will allow you to take photos repeatedly without having to get up and push down the shutter. It also saves you the hassle of using self-timer which can lead to out of focused photos (if you don’t place an object in the frame that resembles your body, the camera won’t know where to focus).
Last but not least Get Creative! Don't be afraid to take photos out in public like the one I took above on a tennis court. I had tons of old people staring at me but I think the shot turned out pretty cool! Comment if you have any questions or suggestions.
xx, CT