Mastering Taking Photos of Yourself: Four Techniques and Tools for Self-Portraits
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A sunset self portrait at Point Lobos State Reserve. |
As vain as it might seem on the surface, taking pictures of yourself is one way to memorialize pieces of your adventures. Read on for four techniques and tools you can use to get yourself in your photos when there's no one there to take them for you.
The Classic Long-Arm Shot
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A perfect long-arm shot, taken in Edinburgh, Scotland. (M. Pierwola) |
"The trick comes from practice and accepting that sometimes you will barely get yourself and sometimes you will barely capture the subject, but willingness to experiment and make mistakes is critical to mastery. The best practice I have discovered is taking photos in groups of people. By browsing the photos immediately after you take them (digital cameras are a bonus), you learn where the borders of your image are. Imagine a fictional pyramid that extends from the lens outwards to help you aim correctly."
So, take Milo's advice, be careful to position the camera so your arm isn't the star of the photos, and you're good to go.
Using a PixPal (Selfie Stick)
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Tiffany demonstrating how to hold the PixPal on top of the Space Needle in Seattle, WA. |
I received it as a gift from Tiffany before heading out to the Pacific Northwest to climb Mount Rainier. Tiffany knew I'd built a few days of solo travel into my trip and she wanted to be sure I could put myself in a few of the photos I took. We had great fun experimenting with it and the PixPal was the star of a number of the photos before we figured out exactly how to hold it. We also got a number of strange looks, but it comes with the territory. When you get it right, you've got a way to get yourself and more of the setting around you into the photo.
Positioning Your Camera on an Inanimate Object
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A self-portrait taken using my rental car as a flat surface. |
Of course, flat surfaces aren't always available, and you're limited to whatever backdrop you're able to get in the shot based on how the surface is positioned. You might have to sit, squat, jump, etc. if the surface is in a particularly high or low spot. Be sure to position the camera so it stays steady; you don't want it falling off the rock and into a creek, on to another rock, etc. As challenging as it can be to get the camera set, it is possible to take some rockin' photos this way.
Using a Tripod
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Big James Fitness setting up his tripod to film one of our WODs at Crossfit Love. |
When you're choosing a tripod, think about what you'll be using it for. If you're taking it backpacking, for example, remember that many serious tripods are cumbersome and heavy. Make sure you're willing to carry it around with you. If you know you'll be on a trail with few flat surfaces to set the tripod up on, or want more flexibility, a Gorillapod might be what you need. Joby makes a regular version, an SLR version with a ball head, an regular SLR version and a magnetic version.
Are you a self-portrait master? Have you used these or other techniques? Leave a comment!
Comments
I like to experiment with other perspectives too; for example, holding the camera down by your pedals while you're riding your bike creates great action shots.
Glad you've had success with the gorillapod and agree a remote would be an awesome idea. And I'm going to skip the shots of my bike pedals; I'll save myself a face plant or two :)
Nice article - I should get one of those ski-pole tripod thingies too now.
1) consider a straight line from the center of the lens to whatever background you want, and which side of the line puts you in the best position
2) never stare at the sun, and think about the angles of the shadows on your face
3) practice pushing the button with your thumb and different fingers for the best angle of your arm to keep it in or out of the shot
4) know your face, your good angles, which side of your smile looks better, etc.
My own thoughts
1) think about the vertical plane, looking up or down (my fb timeline cover is a great example - http://www.facebook.com/charles.miske - taken somewhat subtly with my right arm, showing the rocks and snow below)
2) take a bunch if you're in a once-in-a-lifetime location