I love photos.I love photographing food, nature, art, interiors, people, critters; pretty things of all kinds. I never leave home with my SLR. But I've never liked taking self portraits. Some people practice photography with themselves as a subject but I never did, so I feel very uncomfortable in front of the camera. And it shows.
Yet, I feel that self portraits are important for more than just blogging. It can help you improve your posture and evaluate how you present yourself to the world. And so I'm going to practice taking self portraits this year.
I discovered you should think of things that make you happy to get that light in your eyes that only comes with genuine mirth. I wanted a genuine smile for my new blog photo, so I listened to my favorite comedian John Witherspoon (check my my favorite Witherspoon skit, ever!) , played with toys, and took a few quick shots. Toys make everything better.
Any self portrait tips to share? Do you feel uncomfortable in front of the camera, too?
I feel comfortable in front of my own camera, but no one else's. The longer I photograph other people, the less I liked to be photographed. I think it's weird.
ReplyDeleteFenn: I have a talent for photographing miraculously badly in a portrait-type setup. My prom date's dad only saw me from my terrible photo, he asked if I have some extreme makeover or something because I looked "so DIFFERENT" in real life.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to keep attempting to get used to it. Do not like! I prefer to be behind the camera.
It is a difficult thing
ReplyDeleteYeeup!
DeleteYour avatar came out stunning, your smile lights up the photo. I should practice more I guess. I don't like my picture in photos, but I will post some and use one or two as avatars for one shop just so people know I am real.
ReplyDeleteHaving an avatar is good for branding and sales, so they say ;) Many do just fine without them, though.
Delete:/ I must admit I have never been camera shy since I was a lil girl I love being in front of it, but sometimes I run out of poses and such. My genuine smiles in the pics are possible since Mon cher makes me laugh and takes advantage of my laughter and snap quickly. What I do when I feel weird in front of the cam or when i run out of ideas; I make funny stupid faces and hope something good will come out of it lol I hope this helps ;)
ReplyDeletePictures are funner when you're snapping them with people you love ;)
Deletethats true!!
DeleteDon't like being in photos, especially now with Facebook when people will upload photos even after telling you they won't.
ReplyDeleteDon't take many self portraits nowadays either as I'm not happy with the way I look. It's only up from here, so those self portraits will come in the future.
Damn you, Facebook! I honestly only keep mine for biz...and because it's the ONLY way I can contact some friends. I wish you luck with your future self portrait endeavors!
DeleteI actually love being in front of a still camera, but there are other things I'm uncomfortable with... like in front of a video camera. I'm trying to practice taking more webcam videos of myself :)
ReplyDeleteWe all have our own things we're trying to work on!
Yep, it's all about practice! I was considering doing a self portrait a day to get used to it but eeh...too much ;)
DeleteI always prefer being the photographer and not the subject, too. If you have a Mac and use Photobooth, I suggest just practicing a few headshots there. Oddly enough, I'm always more comfortable when I'm taking the picture of myself, which would require either some dexterity to get anything beyond a headshot or a shutter remote for full-body shots (which I actually am looking into getting). I think I prefer taking the photos myself, so an actual photographer doesn't see how neurotic I am when it comes to having the perfect photo taken, ha ha ha.
ReplyDelete<3Jackie @ Let's Go Thrifting!
No mac here, but I do have a very outdated webcam to play with ;)
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