seeking self-photo advice

Katja

I'd like to figure out how to take better pictures of myself for WIW posts. I have a Canon Powershot SD750. I have no nifty accessories - no remote trigger, no gorillapod, etc. but am open to getting something that helps.

I have a (sort of) full length mirror, but haven't been able to persuade anyone to actually hang it up, so it's resting against the wall at a slight angle. That angle contributes to the fact that my self-photos are taken from a very low POV.

I think it might help to get the camera up higher and in front of me, but then I can't figure out how to frame and take the shot.

15 years ago

General

13 replies

Latest reply was from judy

Maya

Veteran

Katja, I just use the self timer and keep the camera on a bookshelf. It took some trial and error to figure out what height to keep it at and where I needed to stand, but once I figured that out it has been pretty easy. Certainly better than the bathroom in-the-mirror shots I used to take.

Only problem now is that the room is so dark I have trouble taking detail shots of anything black. And sine I wear so much black that is a major setback. I might have to get a lamp in there.

15 years ago

judy

Veteran

Hi Katja,

I tend to like mirror portraits. Self-timers just require a bit more experimentation.

Have you tried from your lower POV and been unhappy with the result? Is there a link to photos you have already posted? I'm sorry, I've missed them.

15 years ago

Katja

(website)

Active Member

No worries, thanks for your input.

Here are previous photos:

http://brokenclay.org/images/ylf/denim-jacket.jpg
http://brokenclay.org/images/ylf/wiw20100629.jpg
http://brokenclay.org/images/ylf/wiw20100805.jpg

15 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

that 2nd photo with the coral sweater looked perfect? was it difficult to do that?

perhaps once you're more used to getting reproducible photos, you could look into the mirror rather than the camera display?

15 years ago

April

Veteran

Katja, I have found that a higher POV can make me look shorter and stumpy. My son usually takes my photos, and if he stands up to take them (he's taller than I am), the result is not very flattering. Now that we know that, he tends to shoot while lying down on my bed, which means his POV is about midway between my waist and shoulder.

15 years ago

Katja

(website)

Active Member

I find that as soon as I look away from the camera display, my hand starts to shake. I've tried propping the camera against the top of the wheel, without too much luck.

After Maya's comment, I did some experimenting with the self-timer, putting the camera on counters (too high) and tables (may work).

15 years ago

shana

Veteran

Katja, I would recommend getting a tripod - you can get cheap ones that will do the job for $20. And then you just need to work on the self-timer. I don't like mirror shots as much personally because it depends heavily on the quality of the mirror - so you might have a skinny mirror that makes you look thinner (love these!) or a fat mirror (hate these)! Or in my case, I have grubby little hands pawing the mirrors all the time so there's no way I could take a good shot in one! I like the camera to be at around chest height. I don't like when my six year old takes my photo because I always end up with a double-chin since he's taking it from below! But April has a good point about it being too high.

15 years ago

Lisa

Veteran

I hold my breath to stop shaking when I take photos. And I try to go in natural sunlight, otherwise I need the flash and then the photos don't work well.

15 years ago

Melissa

Active Member

I also use Maya's trick of putting my camera on something handy that is around chest height on me (lately I've been using my dresser) and using the self-timer. I'd like to get better about taking outdoor shots in natural lighting, and for that I'd recommend a tripod.

I love the self-timer option because I can't keep my hands still long enough to prevent blurring from camera shake.

15 years ago

Melissa

Active Member

Oh, P.S. I have a canon powershot SD800. Yours might be similar enough to mine that I could walk you through the self-timer thing.

15 years ago

Louise

Veteran

I have a gorrilapod. I stand it on the back of my computer chair and get pretty good results, not too high or low x

15 years ago

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

My guess is a table or dresser will work for height, and then you can practice with the self-timer. The difference between that and the mirror-type shots is really about your focus -- when the camera is in your hand, you are staring at it and we can't see you well. Plus you have to hold the camera and that doesn't always show off the outfit best. On a timer you have to look at the lens over there, and then we can see your face!

15 years ago

judy

Veteran

Katja, that second photo is perfect, I agree!

To help with blurring in your mirror shots, try bracing your elbow against your body for stabilization. It's a little thing, but sometimes it can make a big difference.

I don't mind that people are looking at the camera. Why I like mirror shots is, it's fun for me to see the camera....and it kind of tells a bit more of a "story".

When using the self-timers, sometimes the camera will meter and focus on the shot without you...then you position yourself and you might be in shadow if it doesn't redo both of those things. That is why it can require a bit more trial and error to get the optimal height and exposure and time.

When I had a film camera many moons ago, I had a long cord that I could press to take a shot. It was really great. Much easier than moving back and forth with a self timer. But I think you are doing very well with your current camera and mirror.

What do you think?

15 years ago

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