You may want to take a picture of yourself for a variety of reasons: you want to surprise someone (and there is no one else around to take your picture), you want to express yourself in an artistic way, or you are alone. Regardless of the reason, it's always good to know the basics of self-timer art.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Method one: Focus the camera
Step 1. Know your camera
The options available to you will increase or decrease depending on the type of camera you have. Most cameras come with some kind of timer. Check the manual or explore the various features and find out if your camera has one.
Step 2. Unless you are taking the photo with a cell phone, try to get some kind of tripod
You don't need a professional one; as long as he can hold the camera completely still.
Step 3. Check your camera to see if it has a wireless hatch or remote control
This will allow you much more freedom of movement for the shot.
Step 4. Enlist someone (or something) to take your place while the camera is focusing
Step 5. Don't be afraid to shoot several times; especially if you are using a digital camera
Step 6. Be honest about what you want to express with your photo
Of course, if you want to present it as a gift, show your best, but remember that showing your best doesn't always get the best image.
Step 7. Use the right lights
Whatever lighting you will use, ambient, flash, strobe, etc. make sure you use the lights correctly.
Step 8. Make sure the white balance is set correctly if you are using a camera that has that option included
If you forget, there are special software that will help you solve the problem.
Step 9. Think about it
You might get lucky and get a good first shot, but if you think about it, you would do a better job.
Step 10. Be creative
Try not to look like someone holding a camera while taking the picture. There are already too many of similar photos on Facebook and MySpace.
Method 2 of 2: Method Two: Focus on yourself
Step 1. Relax
It may seem obvious, but the best way to ruin a photo that otherwise would have looked great is to assume unnatural poses or facial expressions. Being comfortable when your body feels awkward and out of place is not easy, but the first thing to do is take a deep breath and become aware of those areas of the body that are tense or stiff, and relax them!
Step 2. Connect with the camera
It is very important to be aware of the camera and the positioning of your body in relation to it. Most people who are photogenic enjoy being photographed and this is evident from their photos. Don't be afraid of the camera lens. Pretend it's a friend, lover, parent, or any other person or thing that helps you look good in the picture! Make sure you take several shots so that you can practice building a relationship with the camera.
Step 3. Submit your best profile
Find out what your best profile is and what angles result in the best shots. Then, memorize them. To do this, stand in front of a mirror and find the most symmetrical side of your face. Frontal plane images have too drastic an impact, so when you take a photo, turn three-quarters around. This brings out the corners of the face and softens the overall look.
Step 4. Smile with your eyes
This is a commonly used expression in the fashion world. The eyes speak for themselves in the photos. Smiling while keeping your eyes half closed might get bad in a photo. You never have to look tired or disinterested in your shots. To smile with your eyes, squeeze the muscles at the top of your cheek and the bottom of your eyelids. Imagine your eyes are actually making a smiley face! It can be difficult at first, but practice in front of a mirror with a piece of paper covering your mouth. The eyes should turn a little to the outer corners as if you just blinked.
Step 5. Keep your chest out and stand at an angle towards the camera
The classic model pose consists of standing at a forty-five degree angle to the camera with one foot in front of the other and one shoulder closer to the camera than the other. With your hips evened, rotate your torso straight towards the camera, creating a slight torso twist. Pretend there is a string attached to your head and it is pulling you up and making you look taller. Put your belly in without filling your lungs with air and place your arms on your hips or down to the sides of your body leaving some space between your body and hands. These movements will create the illusion of a much thinner waist.
Step 6. Create space with your arms and legs
Look at fashion magazines and notice how the models pose. When it comes to posing your body, doing it symmetrically doesn't give good results. Asymmetrical poses are much more interesting. By bending your arms and legs, you can create interesting lines that can draw the viewer's attention to you. If the background is complex the attention will go to you, while if it is simple, the lines will make it more complex. Practice with many poses; bend your arm and put one hand on your hip, while the other arm hangs naturally on the side of your body; bend one arm up and put it on the shoulder; place your hands on your side with one shoulder raised and the other lowered; put both arms behind your back, elbows out, with one shoulder slightly raised; or pull your elbows up, place your hands on your lower back, arch your back with one leg bent and the other stretched in front of the other (this pose is great if you want to photograph your silhouette!).
Step 7. Keep your chin down
Tilt your head forward slightly to make your neck appear longer. Then, tilt your head down slightly and try to position yourself so that the camera is positioned just above eye level. Not only will you hide a double chin quite well, but it will also make the eyes stand out in the photograph.
Step 8. Find your light:
if you are outdoors, always make sure you are facing the sun. If the sun is behind you, your face will be in shadow and will appear flat in photos. If you have a bigger face, make sure that the sun or light reflects off the cheek that is farthest from the camera. If you have a thin enough face, make sure the sun or light shines on the cheek closest to the camera.
Step 9. Keep your eyes peeled
This isn't always easy. If it is very bright outside or you are taking a group photo and there are a lot of distractions, the trick is to keep your eyes closed while the photographer prepares to take the photo. If the photographer starts counting backwards, keep your eyes closed until two. On three, open your eyes, but not too much. Remember to smile with both eyes (it may be difficult to have just one second to prepare) or keep them relaxed enough but always alert when shooting.
Step 10. Keep your mouth slightly open
Close your mouth as if you are gently biting into something, or make your lips touch each other lightly, but never close your mouth completely, as it will make your lips look flat. By keeping your mouth slightly open, you will loosen your jaw for a natural look.
Step 11. Remember to practice, practice and practice
Taking a good photo is never a coincidence. If you learn the right techniques, you will take great photos. It is possible to learn how to be photogenic!
