A good DIY photo takes preparation.
We've all seen them: self-taken photographs showing an arm holding the camera, or snapped in front of a mirror with a blinding flash glare. Naturally, you want your photos to look better than that, but the physical limitations of snapping your own picture make it nearly impossible to get a good shot of yourself (unless you're a contortionist, that is).
If you need photos of yourself and don't have someone around to take them, there are ways to avoid the common pitfalls of do-it-yourself photography.
Instructions
1. Look your best. Don't try to take pictures on a day when you haven't had enough sleep. The camera never lies and the fatigue will show on your face. Be well rested and make sure your hair and makeup look fresh. You'll get much better results if you take photos early in the morning when you're energized and the outdoor lighting is optimal.
2. Have adequate lighting. The most common problem with DIY photography is poor lighting. Even using a flash, indoor photography will often look dark or grainy when there is not enough light on the subject. Turn on every overhead light in the room, open window blinds to let in sunlight, or better yet, take your photos outside. When it comes to photography, there is rarely such a thing as too much light.
3. Ditch the mirror. Forget about trying to take a snapshot of yourself in front of a mirror. Not only will your hand or arm holding the camera be visible, the mirror reflects glare from a flash, often completely obscuring your face. If you have no other choice, be prepared to take 100 or more photos to get one that is suitable.
4. Get a camera with a timer. Most modern cameras have a timer function that can be adjusted to allow you 5 to 10 seconds to move into position before the shutter activates. This feature is invaluable for people who routinely need to take photos of themselves.
5. Use a tripod. This small investment will save you hours of frustration. With a tripod and a timer, you can get nearly perfect photos every time. If you can't afford a professional tripod, the GorillaPod is a cheaper alternative. This mini flexible tripod allows you to twist and turn the three legs in different directions so you can shoot from any angle. No matter what your budget, remember that any tripod is better than no tripod.
Tags: better than, front mirror, holding camera, take photos, your face, your photos