I thought it would be fun to start a little series here about self exploration through photography. Creative self portraits can be a very useful tool to help you with your photography, regardless of whether or not that it was you want to do with your work. It helps you become very acquainted with your camera from both perspectives. And will actually help you with clients in the future, b/c you will know how it feels to be on their end of the camera. Beyond photography, doing self portraits can also get you acquainted with yourself in ways you never knew before. You will come to learn what you love and dont love about yourself, and may in turn find places that stir in your heart that need some love and acceptance.
I know that the idea of self portraiture can seem very intimidating. But you don't need to start off all crazy, or even with fancy equipment. All of these images below were some of my original self portrait work from years back, and were all taken with a little point and shoot kodak camera held at arms length. Nothing special at all. The only thing I did have, that you may not, is photoshop, to get the lovely colouring... which is where the magic happens. But, there are many good free sites these days that you can upload your photos to and play with them.
If you are interested in stretching your wings into this fun world, start with playing around with your makeup, and with lighting in your room. Know that you will take 100 photos to get 5 really good ones, and sometimes just 1 good one. Play with it in photoshop before you decide you hate it... Sometimes it magically comes to life after playing around with the coloring or textures. Play with moods and emotions... Most of all, have fun with it.
PEACE AND LOVE,
Laura of The Bohemian Collective
I wish I had a good enough camera to take self portraits. Hipporacle (hipporacle.blogspot.com) takes some amazing selfies that she edits and posts. She has a lot of talent <3
ReplyDeletethank you so much for showing me Hipporacle, love her work! amazing!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! She is one of my favourite bloggers out there, so much talent!
DeleteI am continuously trying my hand at getting good at self-portraits. Thanks for the advice!
ReplyDeletexo
cortnie
I love this! self portraiture is one of my favorite mediums. I'd love to start monkeying around with some experiments with makeup and costuming next. thanks for the encouragement and I love the eye shadow in the second pic. <3
ReplyDeletejulie, you totally should play around with dress up girl, its so much fun!
DeleteI know this is something I would learn from- self portraiture- but every time I take a picture, I go is this how I look? What happened here? I begin judging. Are there tips for how most people look best in photos like this? You look beautiful in every one- :)!
ReplyDeletetake pics from every different angle to find your best angles. this really helps!!! and i cant stress enough to not judge too harshly until you get it into photoshop and start playing around with lighting and color effects, at least for creative portraiture. that is what is going to take your normal boring pic, to a new level. but try lots of angles for starters...
Deleteself portraits are really challenging for me, I did some a month or two ago. It turned out they weren't as bad as I thought. I think right now I'm at a point in life where it would be good for me to take some more. Thanks for the advice! :)
ReplyDeletealways such a beauty. lovely article. i want to focus on doing more of these. they are truly soulful.
ReplyDeleteYou inspire me, although I don't wear makeup, I have been allowing myself to give more time to my 'style' again- ever since I became a mommy I stopped giving myself that time for ME... I really need to keep nurturing myself like this... It feels good. Thank you Laura!
ReplyDeleteThese are so, so lovely, Laura! I think the second one is my favorite -- your eye makeup is so gorgeous and dramatic! But you know I love all your selfies. :)
ReplyDelete