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  • Main
  • Life & Style
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  • Experiences
  • Partners
  • About Sandy
  • Contact Me
Chic Stylings
  • Main
  • Life & Style
  • House & Home
  • Experiences
  • Partners
  • About Sandy
  • Contact Me
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  • House & Home
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  • Life & Style

Do It Your-Self Portraits

· Taking my own Self Portraits ·

September 13, 2020 16 Comments

It’s no secret digital creators rely on PHOTOGRAPHY. When it comes to taking photos of ourselves, most of us either hire a professional, ask a friend or family member to lend a helping hand. But relying on someone else isn’t always possible so instead you can do it yourself like I do. Yup, I’m my own DIY photo-shoot studio with my camera and trip-pod always in tow.  After years of practice and a lot of bloopers, I think I’ve finally mastered the selfie technique – at least good enough for digital content on my own blog.  Read my how-to’s, pros + cons, cringe moments and why I still prefer to take my own self portraits to this day.

Professional vs Amateur

But first, let’s be real. I am not a professional photographer but rather just your average Joe who before blogging, only took photos with my Iphone.  Over the years, my passion for creating digital content has led me to learn how to use a DSLR which I now use interchangeably with my phone camera.  I have utmost respect and admiration for the community of professional photographers who’s services are much appreciated and needed by those who hire them.  For me, I choose to take my own photos primarily for convenience and my desire for self-learning and appreciating the art-form.

Taking Self Portraits Pros + Cons

The Pros

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING – This is the number one pro for me.  With a constantly busy schedule, it’s often hard to coordinate dates and times that work for both myself and a photographer.  It’s way easier for me to plan and fit my sessions in when it works for me and me only.  This includes impromptu sessions on my way home from the office or on my way to an event.  I always prefer taking outdoor shots and the weather can be unpredictable.  When it does cooperate, I like to be flexible and ready to capture at a moments notice.

TONS OF SHOTS AT YOUR FINGER TIPS TO REVIEW. Who doesn’t like having lots of options to choose from?  Because I use a blue tooth remote or interval shooting mode (more about that later), I always get a ton of shots to select when shooting my own photos.  And even better, I can instantly review them, mark my favourites and filter out the shots I’d rather not see again.

BE IN CONTROL, EDIT YOUR OWN PHOTOS. Not only may some photographers limit the time or number of photos per session, you may not be able to access their raw/unedited photos.  Being your own photographer lets you edit your own photos the way you want especially when you want control over creating your own esthetic.

NO LONGER IMPOSE ON OTHERS. Remember those times when you felt like you were imposing on someone else’s time?  Or when you begged your spouse or friend “I promise, just a few more shots, pretty please?”.

BUDGET FRIENDLY. As with a lot of other services these days, sometimes we just can’t justify or afford hiring a professional to do the work.  But don’t let being on a budget stop you from capturing special moments or from creating content.  And let’s not forget the real satisfaction and reward from learning to do and master something on your own.  Sweat equity is an investment of your time, but will be totally worth it and save you loads of dough.

The Cons

YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN. The pressure’s on, DIY means a lot of work done alone by yourself without any helping hands or friendly guidance from others.

TRIAL & ERROR. It takes practice, more practice, and more practice after that.  From blurry shots, photo bombers to hecklers and curious on-lookers, self-photography can be a lot of effort, time consuming, and just down right uncomfortably awkward.

How To, Tips & Tricks

Equipment

  1. Camera – use your phone camera or DSLR.  I interchange using my Iphone 11 Pro and my Sony A6400.
  2. Blue tooth enabled remote or interval shooting mode. Most DSLR’s have an interval shooting mode feature and you can select the timing and how many shots your camera will snap per interval. Alternatively, there are a ton of blue tooth remotes available on Amazon.  I like using a rechargeable remote small enough in size to disguise and hide in photos.
  3. Tripod – any tri-pod will do but I recommend a lightweight & portable one since you will be carrying it plus other equipment by yourself. And don’t forget the adapter mount if you are using your phone camera.

Plan Ahead

  1. Pick a date, time and location – check the forecast and mark your calendar.  Select a quiet location with minimal wander-by traffic.
  2. Check and charge your equipment – there’s nothing worse than arriving on location ready to shoot to find out your blue tooth or camera batteries are dead
  3. Pack ahead – organize and pack everything the day before in a comfortable carrying bag (shoulder tote, or rolling case).

On Location

  1. Be organized and know where everything is so you can be quick and ready to go.
  2. Park nearby your location so you don’t need to walk and carry things too far.
  3. Guarantee you’ll be in the shot – don’t waste any time or shots by making sure you’ll be in each picture frame. Find a target on the ground to stand on by looking through your camera’s view finder. This will guarantee you’ll be in the shot when you move into position. 
  4. Click a few and check.  Adjust your positions and poses until you like what you see and when you do, continue shooting!
  5. Smile and Pose. Remember to change up your pose with each click.
  6. Be patient and don’t give up. I promise, practice makes perfect and it really does work!
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16 Comments

  1. Reply

    Mimi

    September 15, 2020

    Right now I use my iPhone but I’d love to invest on a camera one day. I do love my Bluetooth remote though

    • Reply

      Sandy

      September 15, 2020

      I still use my iphone most of the time. The best camera to use is always the one you have on-hand!

  2. Reply

    Angela Cardamone @marathonsandmotivation.com

    September 15, 2020

    I do so many of my own photos! These are really great tips, so glad I came across this!!

    • Reply

      Sandy

      September 15, 2020

      That’s great, so happy you found this helpful!

  3. Reply

    Sharon

    September 15, 2020

    What a wonderful way to save money by DIY’ing beautiful shots of yourself or your family. I can’t wait to try this!

    • Reply

      Sandy

      September 15, 2020

      It really is budget friendly plus super convenient and once you figure out to do it, it becomes second nature!

  4. Reply

    Tisha

    September 15, 2020

    I need to do some updated headshots of me, especially for my photography business. Not sure where I put my tripod tho! Great tips to make them successful!

    • Reply

      Sandy

      September 15, 2020

      Headshots can be done with a tri-pod for sure. I do it all the time, just stand closer to the camera. A neutral background works well for headshots either outdoors or indoors, and shoot in portrait/lower aperture for added depth of field effect.

  5. Reply

    Yalda

    September 15, 2020

    Great post with lots of fantastic tips!!! Definitely agree that taking your own photos is a much more convenient and budget friendly way to go, and I love that you discussed how it’s also better in terms of having more creative control. ❤️ Great post!

    • Reply

      Sandy

      September 15, 2020

      Aww thanks, Yalda. I know you can relate to my obsession over the details too, so its nice to have control over our content! xoxo

  6. Reply

    Cassie

    September 16, 2020

    I am a professional photographer and I’ve been meaning to be more intentional and regular with getting shots of myself. I’ve had a remote in my shopping cart for ages- might be time to buy it!

    • Reply

      Sandy

      September 16, 2020

      I bet as a professional photographer, its hard to find time to take photos of yourself! Hope you find the opportunity to do so soon!

  7. Reply

    Nadalie Bardo

    September 16, 2020

    It’s really fun taking your own photos! Once your figure out the tech and the set up of course!

    • Reply

      Sandy

      September 16, 2020

      Agreed! It becomes second nature once you get used to it!

  8. Reply

    Rosemary

    September 16, 2020

    Great self photos. These are great and helpful tips. I need a good tripod, any particular recommendations? I take a combination of phone and camera photos.

    • Reply

      Sandy

      September 16, 2020

      I’m so glad you found the tips helpful! There are a ton of tripods out there but I like this one from amazon. super light weight and portable. Linking the tripod below and the adapter you will need when you use your phone.

      https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00XI87KV8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
      https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01L3B5PBI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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About Sandy

Sandy is a lifestyle content creator, wife, mother, and corporate career leader with over 25 years of life experience in these roles.

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