Competition Photo Turn In

February, 2025 topic:  Self Portrait

Self-portraits and Selfies are distinct forms of photographic self-representation, each with its own creative approaches and techniques.

Self-portraits, our February topic, are typically more thoughtful, planned, and artistic representations of oneself, while selfies are often spontaneous, casual snapshots taken with smartphones for social media.

Creative Ways to Take Self-Portraits

1. Use Reflections: Incorporate mirrors, water, or other reflective surfaces to create unique compositions.

2. Play with Lighting: Experiment with dramatic lighting, such as low-key setups or directional light, to sculpt features and create mood.

3. Incorporate Motion: Use slow shutter speeds to capture motion blur, adding dynamism to your images.

4. Focus on Details: Create intimate portraits by focusing on specific body parts or unique physical traits.

5. Utilize Props: Express your personality or tell a story by incorporating meaningful objects into your composition.

6. Experiment with Angles: Try shooting from unusual perspectives to create visually interesting self-portraits.

7. Create Double Exposures: Combine multiple exposures for abstract and artistic results.

8. Explore Locations: Use different environments to inspire and enhance your self-portraits.

Technical Tips

1. Use a tripod and remote shutter release for stability and ease of shooting.

2. Experiment with aperture settings:
   Wider apertures (lower f-numbers) for shallow depth of field
   Narrower apertures (higher f-numbers) for more wiggle room with focus

3. Use the camera's self-timer or a remote control to give yourself time to pose.

4. For dramatic portraits, position yourself at an angle to a soft light source.

5. Experiment with different focal lengths to achieve various effects and perspectives.

6. Consider using a narrower aperture to ensure sharp focus, especially when shooting alone.

7. Use creative lighting sources like phone screens, laptops, or flashlights for unique effects.

Useful Reference:

• https://shotkit.com/self-portrait-photography/

  https://www.reddit.com/r/photography/comments/wdluiv/tips_for_self_portrait_photography/

• https://desireesydow.com/blog/masters-of-self-expression-self-portrait-photography-artists-to-get-inspired-by

Citations:

[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/photography/comments/15ss9yh/any_tips_on_self_portraits/

[2] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00245/full

[3] https://www.katiekaars.com/journal/how-to-take-a-self-portrait-with-a-dslr

[4] https://blog.depositphotos.com/self-portrait-ideas.html

[5] https://www.loredanadenicola.com/post/the-difference-between-selfie-and-self-portrait

[6] https://clicklovegrow.com/how-to-look-great-in-your-self-portraits/

[7] https://www.nyip.edu/photo-articles/photography-tutorials/tips-for-creative-self-portraits

[8] https://www.diyphotography.net/differences-selfies-self-portraits/

[9] https://shotkit.com/self-portrait-photography/

[10] https://www.getty.edu/news/whats-the-difference-between-a-selfie-and-a-self-portrait/

[11] https://www.reddit.com/r/photography/comments/wdluiv/tips_for_self_portrait_photography/

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