Taking good pictures of yourself can be difficult. When you are alone, you have to worry about both the pose and shooting from an interesting angle. But if you find a nice background, you know which pose to put yourself in and follow a couple of basic rules, you can take some very nice photos in no time. If you want to know how, follow these simple steps.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Part 1: Prepare
Step 1. Put your hair in place
If your hair is all tousled or covering part of your face in an unattractive way, it will distract from the positive aspects of the photo. Make sure your hair is well combed to remove any knots and use hair products or hair sprays to remove any residual static electricity.
Your hair doesn't have to be perfect, but you need to make sure it doesn't take the focus away from your face
Step 2. Fix your makeup
When photographing yourself, try to wear slightly more makeup than usual to make your features stand out under the lights. Don't go overboard with your makeup or it won't be you anymore and it will look like you're wearing a mask. If you don't normally wear makeup, a little mascara and lip gloss are enough to highlight the features of your face.
If the skin on your face is a little oily, apply some face powder or remove the grease with special absorbent pads. Oily skin can appear even more oily on photos
Step 3. Adjust the lighting
Natural light is always best, but you can play with different lights in various rooms. Always try to take the photo in a room that has enough light to show your features.
- If you are inside, stay near a window.
- If you are outside, take your photo early in the morning or late afternoon when the sunlight is not too much.
Step 4. Choose the right wallpaper
You need to choose a background that helps make your figure stand out instead of blurring or flattening it. If you are indoors, a white wall or a bright color is enough; don't stand in front of a wall covered in posters or with a particular design, or you will not be prominent enough.
If you are outdoors, choose a uniform background, such as a row of trees or a lake, and do not stand in front of other people or in front of moving objects, such as buses
Step 5. Practice holding the camera with your arm straight
This is the most common way to take a photo, so get used to it before taking dozens of photos that won't fit. You will also learn to avoid that awkward photo where your arm covers half of your face and looks incredibly muscular.
Remember that your arm will get tired soon, so take a break to improve the light or put on a new "stage dress"
Step 6. Get in a good mood
Your photos will look a lot better if you feel a little saucy, free and just in a great mood. You will be much more comfortable in front of the lens and much more willing to experiment and relax. Think about the things you like while taking the picture, listen to a song that makes you want to dance and maybe sing it to yourself.
Method 2 of 2: Part 2: Taking Pictures of Yourself
Step 1. Prepare the camera
You may need to try out different poses before you find the most interesting one. If you have the timer and batch photo option, you can program the camera to take several photos at a time, which will give you time to pose or smile. You will look more comfortable if you are not worried about shooting "and" posing.
- Put a long enough time on the timer so you don't have to run back and forth too fast.
- If you like the timer method, invest in a remote control.
Step 2. Experiment with different angles
You have to try as many as possible to see which one is the most interesting and highlights you the most. Avoid taking pictures from below as you will look shorter or have a double chin. If the car is slightly higher than you, you will look taller and leaner.
- Avoid taking pictures from the front. They will make you look boxy. Shoot sideways to make the photo more dynamic.
- Try 10 or 20. Have fun until you find the shot you like best. Remember that one type of hairstyle can stand out better from one angle than another.
- Try taking pictures in front of the mirror. This will add a fun new perspective to your shots. The car will appear on the photo creating an interesting effect.
Step 3. Take as many photos as you can
Keep going until you get the perfect shot. Unless you have a Polaroid or an analog camera, you have nothing to lose. Try on different types of clothing or hairstyles until you find the right ones. Also try different backgrounds that make you stand out, indoors and out.
If you have found the perfect location, try taking photos in the same place at different times of the day to see how the light affects the result
Step 4. Ask a friend for advice
Show a photo to a friend or relative before uploading it to the Internet for a second opinion. You may think it's perfect, but an honest opinion can help you make your next photo better.
Advice
- If you don't like props, but want to add personality to a photo, try different backgrounds. With the applications and computer programs that are available you can add different backgrounds even after shooting.
- If you want to add objects in the photo, try things that represent you (for example a guitar if you play, or photograph yourself standing next to a horse if you ride).
