One of the more gratifying duties of a fashion blogger is taking self-portraits. Or not. Until recently I was sorely frustrated with mine. It was an awkward process; getting the camera set up on some semi-flat surface, clicking the timer button, running to pose in time and ending up looking like a zombie. And trying to find the right lighting/background/et cetera ...what a chore!
What was I to do? An intelligent fashion blogger simply HAS to take pictures of her outfits, right?
I was browsing articles on Independent Fashion Bloggers when I found this: How To Take Gorgeous Self Portraits. While I can't vouch for all the material and links on the site, this article is just great and inspired me to give it another go. Yesterday, before running off to work, I shot my outfit. I hope you like what I came up with...
Skirt by newsworthy / Shoes by MontegoBayClub / Necklace, Earrings and Anklet by AmandaBeth / Top is currently on the line, so I can't read the tag. lol!
What made it work:
- Putting the camera on a tripod is absolutely vital. Although it is always frustrating to find the right tripod, the pieces needed to mount the camera, and adjust it all, the only way it will get quick and easy is if I practice. Once the tripod is set up, you have so much more flexibility!
- Use the remote! The self timer just doesn't do it. I was lucky to have a timed remote, so that I could press the button and have a few seconds to hide the remote before the camera took the picture. I think this made all the difference.
- Find a nice background. Being outside makes the pictures so much prettier, especially since you don't have to use the flash. I caught the late afternoon sun coming through the trees, which ended up looking really nice. And that is a water tank I am standing in front of - artsy, huh? It's "been in the family for years" and you can see names of friends, family and the unknown all over it.
- Like the article says, use a prop. I grabbed a flower and was all set.
- Touch up your pictures in Adobe Photoshop! Cropping, adjusting levels and increasing or decreasing saturation can make an OK photo into a beautiful one.
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