Self Portraits and Portraits Review

Step 1:

Tip #1: Bring Something to Focus On

The problem that I saw when I looked through my viewfinder was that I didn't have anything to focus on aside from the items in the far distance. This of course would make for a perfectly blurry photo of me, which isn't at all what I wanted.

One easy solution to this problem is to bring something to stand in your place. Height doesn't matter so much as distance, but try to match it to yourself as best as you can for accuracy. If you have an extra tripod or light stand, these make perfect substitutes that will stand upright exactly where you need them. I was out in my yard so I grabbed a shovel from my shed, stuck it in the ground, focused and then moved the shovel. Rudimentary, but it worked perfectly.

Coming up with ideas:

Time to talk about technique. I think where most people get stuck on self portraits is the coming up with ideas (I know I struggle here). What really got me going was thinking about what I own and how I could use it in a photo. Now I am not just talking about props, but I am talking about features also. One of my prominent features is my bald head. So could I work that to my advantage?Just thinking about my hobbies and past times, inspired all sorts of photo themes. In fact when I sat down and listed items, I quickly had more self portrait ideas than I could shoot in a single month (shooting a theme a day).

Step 2:
Enviromental Portraits: 

 I like this portrait because I think the idea of doing her portrait in her dance studio while posing in a stretch or move is an ingenious idea. I picked it because i liked the setup and composure of the photo.

I liked this portrait because the guy sitting in his house completely captures his environment and having his guitar shows comfort. I picks it because he used a good idea and captured his environment well.

Step 3:

Casual Portraits: 

 I like this photo because the woman looks so happy and i picked it because it is a good representation of a casual photo.

I like this photo because because the girl looks so casual and enjoying whatever she's doing. I picked this photo because i captures the girl in a casual setting.

Step 4: 

Formal portraits: 

 I like this photo because the couple looks so happy. I picked this photo because it is a good representation of a formal setting and portrait.

I like this photo because the man is representing his country and his job. i picked this photo because the man looks strict, formal and serious about the photo.

Step 5: 

Self Portraits: 

 I like this photo because i think the snow or rain in the background of the photo looks really cool. I picked this photo because it caught my eye as soon as i saw it.

I like this photo because its creative and comical. I picked this photo because it made me laugh when i saw it and i thought it was a really good idea.

For my portrait i will shoot my classmate Mia Serrano. I will more than likely shoot my photo outside in the courtyard. I will pose her in a position comfortable looking yet attractive and cool at the same time. Also i will change the aperture and shutter speed to the needed for the  lighting outside.