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So here's my super-frustrating dilemma... I need to take selfies in order to get feedback, critique, suggestions on my "look". It's really the only way I'm going to be able to improve upon it. My SO gives me feedback but sometimes I suspect she's just being supportive. The problem is...I not only suck really bad at taking selfies, but feel very un-photogenic, and for some reason there is always a major difference between what I see in the mirror, and what I see on the viewfinder. I like what the mirror shows me, but want to vomit whenever I see a self-photo.
I see so many lovely photos of other girls on the site and hoping you all can share your selfie taking tips & tricks.
If I've posted in the wrong section, my apologies.
Jessica
There are a few basic elements to taking a 'good' selfie.
Firstly, get rid of the 'phone camera in the mirror' idea. Besides the fact that the photos produced are mirror images, people want to see you, not your latest phone. Get a tripod or other suitable support for a camera and then use either remote control or self timer. If using a self timer, set it for multiple shots so that you have time to step in front of the camera and compose yourself. Just discard the first couple of photos if you were still getting organised when the shutter activated.
You are doing something that you enjoy, so smile! At least try to look happy, it's amazing what a difference a smile makes to a photo.
Think about a pose that looks natural. Men rarely pose for photos, they just 'stand'. Try slight angles rather than face the camera directly and generally try to have one foot slightly ahead of the other, easy when you stand at that slight angle I mentioned.
Have a mirror handy to do that final check before you press the button. Check jewellery is in place, nothing is showing that shouldn't be and then go for it.
We are frequently our own harshest critics but with a bit of practice you'll get the results you want. The beauty of digital is that you can delete those you're not happy with.
If you can get someone else to take the photos, even better.
Have fun.
I also recommend getting away from household lighting and get out of the bathroom. Get next to a window. If you have white curtains that will pass light, hang them up...or even a semi transparent shower curtain. The idea is to diffuse the light. Step back from the window and let the light from the window hit you straight on and have the camera shoot from a position between you and the window. Another is to stand just in front of the window and away from it a little bit and have you and the camera parallel with the window. Hang a white sheet or panel on your shadow side to bounce light to fill in the shadows. Light and environment are so important.
Oh..and one other thing. If you can get your camera mounted on a tripod or get it stationary, shoot a movie of you going through poses. Take that movie, put it in your computer, run it in Quick Time. Scrub through it in slow motion (holding the directional arrow on your keyboard) and lifting your finger when you see something you think works. Take a screenshot (cmd>shift>3 on a mac). Keep doing that and just grab as many shots you think are good or close.
Excellent idea!
