I know I am not the only photographer out there who can direct and pose clients all day long and then have trouble when it comes to taking pictures of myself. When I’m setting up to take creative self-portraits, I often channel my inner Ricky Bobby and ask myself, “what do I do with my hands?” Also, selfies can sometimes feel a bit monotonous. Stand in front of the camera and smile… Then what?
I ran into this problem when I was working on a personal project where I challenged myself to create 29 self-portraits in one month. I took my safe shots where I knew I had good light and a controlled environment. But, that became very boring, very fast! I wanted to do something different.
So how can we create an authentic and meaningful self-portrait? What are some ways we can push ourselves creatively to think outside the box when creating art just for ourselves? That’s where we begin!
1. Let go of perfection.
If you mess up, try again! The image below took me a span of five days and two reshoots to achieve. I had to go to two different locations and wait for just the right lighting and cooperative weather. That’s the beauty of a self-portrait though. You are always available to shoot!
Tips for creative self-portraits:
1. Use a reliable tripod. I use a Vanguard Alta Pro. I like this particular tripod because it has an extendable lateral arm for aerial self-portraits.
2. Utilize a trigger or interval timer. My favorite method is my Canon Connect app (Nikon & Sony have their own apps as well). I prefer this method because I can see exactly what my camera sees and I am able to change settings from my phone. Thus, no running back and forth checking to see if focus or settings are correct.
3. Plan ahead and get your area prepared beforehand. This will save you time while you’re shooting and in post processing as well.
2. Find inspiration in the things you like.
There is inspiration in every aspect of our lives, like music or movies. Listen to the lyrics of your favorite song. What do they mean to you? How do they make you feel?
In the image above, I really loved the lyrics from The Weeknd song “Starboy,” which go, “Bought mama a crib and a brand new wagon, now she hit the grocery shop looking lavish.” This is exactly how I imagined his mother looking in her local grocery store picking out fresh produce.
Pay attention to the movies or shows you watch. Is there a particular shot where you like how it is framed or lit? Do you have a daily routine that is important to you that you’d like to document? One of my favorite ways to spark inspiration is in a new dress! Nothing makes me want to take a self-portrait more than a pretty piece of clothing that I can’t wait to show off.
3. Try a different technique.
I often get bored with just taking a straight on self-portrait. This is when I push myself to try shooting in a new perspective or to try a new technique. A couple of my favorite ways to do this are with composite edits or GIFs.
GIFs
I love GIF files because you can show a short sequence of events that loop over and over. I created the GIF above by utilizing my interval timer, stepping back into the frame, and having my son and I throw confetti into the air. Some other ideas for GIFs? Give your husband a kiss, dance with your little one, throw your kids in the air, or even pour yourself a glass of wine! These are a great way to showcase your personality.
Here is a video tutorial I created that shows you step by step on how to create a GIF in Photoshop.
Composite images
I absolutely LOVE composite images. You don’t have to be super knowledgeable about Photoshop to achieve these either. Composites are a wonderful way to tell a bigger story in your creative self-portraits, and to let your creativity really shine. And, going back to my first point, if you mess up, it’s OK! Figure out what you did wrong, and come back to it. Photography and life in general are about learning and growing.
Here’s how to create a composite image in Photoshop: Video (9 min.)
In this video tutorial, I’ll show you how I create a composite image of my reflection in a mirror using Adobe Photoshop.
4. Include people or things important to you.
As photographers, we find it important to capture special moments so we can go back and reminisce. Some of my favorite images are the ones that include my loved ones and me. Remember, you were there in that moment, too! I like to think of these self-portraits as little gifts that I will leave behind for my family for generations.
You can also use objects that are important to you as well. In this image (right), I am showcasing my favorite portrait of my grandmother, who is a very special person to me. In doing this I am including me, an object, and another person all in one.
Use your camera’s interval timer for selfies with your kids.
If I am shooting an image with my children, I like to utilize the interval timer on my camera. I will place an object where we will be in the frame (typically another tripod or stuffed animal because I have those everywhere in my house), set my focus, and then set the interval timer. I like to shoot anywhere from 20-40 images at 2-second intervals. This way, I am hands free and can interact with my children without having to worry about messing with my phone.
You want to make photos fun for your kids! Play music, ask silly questions, give them something to do with their hands, or play a game.
5. Tell a story.
This is, in my opinion, the most important aspect of a creative self-portrait. When someone is viewing our image, we want them to linger and look for as long as possible. Think about framing and composition. Ask, “do the things I have in the frame contribute to my image or distract my viewer from the picture as a whole?”
Use your hands
Remember my Ricky Bobby reference from earlier? Notice that I am always doing something with my hands in each of my creative selfies. This puts the viewer at ease and gives them more things to look at in the frame. Utilize objects to help tell your story. Keep in mind though, that you want to have “soft hands” in your self-portraits. If your hands are tense, it can make your viewer feel uncomfortable and want to look away.
Faceless self-portraits
Also remember that creative self-portraits don’t have to include your face! Faceless selfies are definitely some of my favorites because it’s a huge challenge to create an image that evokes a reaction in the viewer without directly using the emotion in our face. Another perk? I don’t feel like I have to do a face full of makeup!
Photos by Alex Eischeid
More helpful articles for your creative self-portraits:
How to create artistic selfies from above using your smartphone
5 helpful tips for taking better self-portraits
5 Ways photographers can include themselves in family photos
Get in the picture! 5 Easy steps for complete family photos
You are so talented! I love these pictures and you put so much thought into them. Wow!!
This is such a great article with so many wonderful ideas and advice!
I absolutely love all of these, Alexis. They are all intentional, creative and so uniquely you! Such a great tutorial to hopefully spark others to you join you! I know as my kiddos grow older, I have been playing with more storytelling images of self portraits. Yours are all so gorgeous and I love that you incorporate your personality into them!
Also, Alex…not Alexis…at least I didn’t call you Alexa, right?
Alex, I live that text so much! Your self portrait have been wonderful lately and it’s so great to have a little behind the scene infos! Love your GIF ideas especially, I need to do one for my daughters and me dancing for sure!