Simple Steps to Start Taking Beautiful Self-Portraits | by Melissa Richard
Taking self-portraits can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! Whether you're capturing memories with your kids, or you're ready to take on solo shots, self-portrait photography can be both fun and empowering. Here’s how to start, no stress required.
Start Simple and Have Fun with It
If you’re just beginning, the key is to keep things simple and easy. If you’re more comfortable in front of the lens with others, why not get your kids involved? You can create precious family memories while learning the ropes of self-portrait photography. Set up your camera on a tripod (or on a table or stack of books if you don’t have one), adjust your settings, and set the focus. Your child (or even a stuffed animal) can be your stand-in model for testing your settings! Then, set the timer on your camera and boom, you’re ready to go! No need for complicated setups, just hit the button and have fun!
Tip: Make it even easier by setting up your camera while you’re already doing something with your kids (ex: baking cookies, playing a game, or making crafts). It takes the pressure off, and you’ll capture real moments of joy without worrying about perfection. Remember, the goal is to create memories, not just photos.
Ready to Go Solo? Here's How!
If you don’t have kids or if they’re all grown up, don’t worry, you can totally jump in and do this solo! Here’s how to step up your self-portrait game:
Pick a Location You Love - Choose a place that feels good to you. Whether it’s your living room, a cozy corner, or even outdoors, find a spot that reflects you.
Pick an Outfit You Love - Wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable. It doesn’t have to be fancy.
Do Your Hair and Add a Little Makeup - Take the time to do your hair the way you love it, and if you enjoy makeup, add a little to feel extra polished for your shoot. But remember, don’t feel like you have to look “perfect.”
Have a Mirror Handy - A mirror is super helpful for checking your pose and facial expression. It’s a great tool to see how you look from the other side of the camera and make adjustments.
Start with Faceless Shots - If you're nervous about being in front of the camera, try starting with faceless portraits. You can capture the mood through your body language, hands, or even your feet. It’s a great way to ease into self-portraiture.
Add a Little Movement - Movement adds life to your photos! Whether it’s a twirl, a wave, or a simple stretch, letting your body flow naturally can create beautiful, candid shots.
Incorporate Flowers - Flowers are a great prop for self-portraits. Whether you hold them or arrange them around you, they add a pop of colour and a fresh, vibrant touch to any shot.
Get Inspired - Feel free to browse Pinterest or Instagram for some inspiration! See what others are doing, and don’t hesitate to put your own twist on it.
Have Patience - Self-portrait photography can take time to master, and that’s okay! Give yourself grace and be patient as you experiment with different angles, lighting, and settings.
Embrace Vulnerability
Here’s the cool part: as you get better at taking self-portraits, you’ll start to feel more comfortable being the subject of your photos. The more you practice, the easier it becomes to let go of perfectionism and embrace vulnerability. It’s a freeing feeling when you can take photos of yourself without the pressure to look “flawless.” Whether you’re wearing no makeup, letting your hair down, or simply being yourself, you’ll see how powerful it can be to embrace who you are in the moment. Self-portrait photography isn’t just about capturing beautiful images, it’s also about capturing you. It’s an expression of who you are, and with each shot, you’ll discover a little more about yourself.
