How to Take a Self Portrait |  |
| Posted: 23 Nov 2013 04:43 PM PST Although you might think that a photographer would love taking a self portrait, it’s actually one of the most difficult pictures to take. With self portraits you don’t have the advantage of looking through the lens and carefully composing your image, so it can be real tricky to get it right. But with that being said, there are a few important tips you can use to make taking your self portrait a whole lot easier.  “Self Portrait” captured by BradHardy (Click Image to See More From BradHardy) Delay TimersThese days just about every SLR camera now has a delay timer which can come in very handy when taking a self portrait. This delayed timer will give you between 5-10 seconds (depending upon the camera) to push the timer and to run into the picture area just before the shutter releases. This isn’t ideal, but it will work in a pinch. Remote or Wireless Shutter ReleasesA remote shutter release will allow you to activate your shutter without having your finger on the trigger. They come in many varieties (including wireless) and work with most newer cameras and are the best option for taking serious photographs of yourself. They range in price from about $30 for wired versions to $50 for wireless, or you can build one yourself if you’re tech-minded (there are some great “how-to’s” for this available on the web). Recruit a FriendIn almost every case (unless you can measure the distance and set your focus appropriately), it’s best to have someone sit so you can make sure the composition and focus are right on. A patient friend or family member will usually do the trick, or you can use any object that can sit at the correct height. One of the toughest part of self portraits is focusing, so you make need to take a few shots to get it right. Be HonestRemember that a photographer’s job is to tell the truth. It can be tempting in self-portraiture to only shoot images that show us in a positive light, but in all circumstances the integrity of the final image should take precedence over our sensitivity.  Photo captured by Yvonne W. (Click Image to See More From Yvonne W.) This doesn’t mean you can’t take flattering pictures of yourself, but just consider the technical perspective instead of just considering the most complementary one. If the image tells the story you wanted to tell, whether or not you look “good” in it is secondary. Get Your Lighting RightGetting perfect lighting while shooting a self portrait can be quite challenging. If you use a stand-in, unless they have almost the exact same skin tone as you, there will need to be adjustments made throughout the shoot to create ideal light. The best approach is to set your camera on a full manual setting so you can adjust every photograph without being at the mercy of the camera’s internal sensors. As far as actual “lights” go, you can use desk lamps, natural light, floor lamps, and/or your camera’s native flash to build an environment that works for what you’re trying to accomplish. Don’t be afraid to spend a couple of hours on your shoot; messing with the little details can be one of the most fun parts of self-portraiture. Use Your CreativityJust like with other types of portraiture, taking your self portrait requires a bit of creativity and thought. Use your imagination to think of ways that you can present yourself in different ways from the standard portrait. Try using props like costumes or dynamic lighting and interesting backgrounds that will help make your self portrait stand out.  “Self Portrait” captured by Colby Johnson (Click Image to See More From Colby Johnson) So, have fun taking your self portrait as it can be a fun break from the demands of other portraits. With self portraits, there are no pressing deadlines so take as much time as you need to get it right. In the end, it’s your own imagination that is your only limitation in getting the self portrait that you’ve always wanted. About the Author Go to full article: How to Take a Self Portrait |
| Scrubs Actor Randomly Photobombs a Wedding Photo Session as He Walks to Work Posted: 23 Nov 2013 01:54 PM PST Ever wonder if actors’ and actresses’ characters are similar to their real-life selves? Well we know of at least one who is. Pictured below is Zach Braff – famous for his lead role in Scrubs as the zany and loveable J.D. – who, just last week, casually photobombed this couples’ wedding shot as he crossed 42nd Street in New York City:  Zach Braff performs one of the best photobombs ever Photographer Sascha Reinking took this photo last week while shooting a German couples’ wedding pictures. Reinking blogs that he didn’t even know Braff had photobombed him until he sorted through his photos the evening of the shoot. Unsure about whether he had really captured a celebrity photobomb, Reinking posted the photo on various sites to confirm Braff’s identity. Afterward, he tagged Braff in this tweet saying: @zachbraff Sir, I think you photobombed my newlywed couple the other day in New York. :) Well played… pic.twitter.com/QFpgGM8pVi At this point, Braff had tweeted the photo on his own account saying: This is one of my best photobombs ever: pic.twitter.com/LZS0TZE3JS Go to full article: Scrubs Actor Randomly Photobombs a Wedding Photo Session as He Walks to Work |
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