How to Take Professional Photos of Yourself
“Who takes your photos?” is the most common question I receive on my social media platforms; often, people don't believe me when I say it's me. Most of the time, I use a tripod and it’s even more handy than when I have someone around to take my picture; I know how to position the camera and get the dynamic shots I need without disturbing others. Plus, people are not always willing to get up at 5 am to go outside and snap photos just because the view is so beautiful. I’ve yet to meet more people who are just as crazy as me when taking photos at random times. Shoutout to you if you’re one!
The concept of self-portraiture is something even professionals struggle with. You definitely feel frustrated when you have a great photo idea, but nobody is around to help you capture it. But by using the right tools and practicing a lot, you can do it yourself. I took all of the photos in this post by myself!
Here are some tips I'd like to share on how to take decent selfies at home or in public.
Get a good camera. It makes a big difference to have a nice camera. Over the last four years, I have been using my phone to take photos, but the most considerable growth came after I switched to a mirrorless camera. I snapped with my phone for so long, and I regret it now. You can still use your phone if you can't afford a high-quality camera. The cameras on today's phones are excellent, but I recommend saving up for a pro one if you can.
Shoot RAW. If you want high-quality images, you must shoot them in RAW. In contrast to JPEG images, which lose information due to compression, RAW images can be corrected by using photo editing apps, like Adobe Lightroom, without losing image quality; you can adjust your pictures' exposure, details, and colors. Adding ready-made presets are also applicable.
Use a tripod. For professional self-photography, a tripod is essential. You can set your camera or phone against a wall or any surface, but it can be difficult to be practical and creative while shooting without a tripod. It's more convenient & dynamic, and you can adjust your height and viewpoint according to your needs with tripods. You will also avoid blurry images.
Use the proper shooting method for you. Several techniques can be used to take great photos of yourself alone; timers, remotes, and wifi are the most common. For me, the most efficient method is to sync my camera to my phone via Wifi. When connected, I can see the camera view on my phone, adjust settings, and press the shutter button. You can also use remote control, but then you'll have to take a few shots and return to the camera to ensure you're in the right position. This method is ideal for indoor/studio shoots; you can instantly click and view your image on your laptop if it is connected. Using a self-timer is another option; every camera and phone has it nowadays. You can experiment with various poses and see what works better by using continuous shooting instead of hitting the shutter constantly.
Location location location! Now that you have your camera & tripod, and have picked up your most convenient shooting method, you must look for the right place with a beautiful background. Whether you’re shooting indoors or outdoors, you need the perfect lighting. I like to shoot most of the time outdoors because of the natural sunlight. Sunrise and golden hour are lovely times to shoot.
Have fun with it. If you're used to being behind the camera, getting in front of it might be out of your comfort zone. Relax, and don't take yourself too seriously. Try different poses and faces. Try to ignore the people around you while you take photos; I know it's easier said than done, but if you walk away from a great photo opportunity because you feel embarrassed, you'll regret it later. Remember, most of those strangers won't be seen again! The more you have fun with the process, the better your photos will turn out.
Now strike a pose and say cheeeeese!
