HOW TO TAKE BEAUTIFUL PICTURES OF YOURSELF
Pictures are necessary in today's world. You need images to run social media accounts, apply for job opportunities, and maintain long-distance relationships. Taking photos comes with the pressure to create something worth looking at, no matter who is looking or when they are looking. However, there is less pressure when you have to take pictures of inanimate objects, as opposed to taking pictures of yourself or other people. Taking pictures of yourself can be very tasking.
You can take photos of yourself using regular or phone cameras and a tripod (if you want to take quality self-portraits instead of selfies). There are also many creative ideas to influence beautiful pictures. However, this article provides the ultimate guide that you can apply to ensure that you take amazing photos, so make sure that you read until the end.
Tips for Taking Stunning Pictures
1. Pick a Focus
Every picture has a focus, which the camera pays attention to. The focus of an image is the first thing you need to decide before you start your photo session. The focus of your picture could be any part of your body; it could be your clothes, accessories, or even your background. Something has to be the main character in your pictures.
For example, if you are taking product pictures for a brand, the brand's product is the picture's focus. And, if you are taking pictures of yourself to post on Instagram, then you are the focus of that picture. Having something to focus on in your photographs helps you plan and pay attention to other vital details in the picture.
2. Select a Theme
It is commonly said that a picture is worth a thousand words, so every picture should have a central message. In every one of your pictures, you should have a statement you are trying to pass across to viewers. Once you have a theme for your pictures, other details you need to work on to create a fantastic image become easier to notice.
The theme of your picture could be anything. It could be satisfaction like in the above image. Your theme could also be sadness, confidence, surprise, etc. Your photos could also give off vibes like 'single and thriving’, 'boss lady’, 'the man for all the ladies’, 'God’s baby’, and so on. You should note that you can copy other people’s themes, and they would never know.
3. Use Proper Lighting
Lighting is often underrated in pictures, but using proper lighting could take your photos from zero to a hundred real quick. You could use any or both of the light sources for your pictures. They are:
a. Natural Light: This refers to the light gotten from the sun.
b. Artificial light: This refers to light obtained from manufactured lights like speed lights and strobe lights (LED lights, Ring lights, etc. ).
While taking your pictures, make sure that there is sufficient light to cancel out unflattering shadows that appear in your photographs. For example, if you are trying to take a selfie, but your light is elevated above your head, there needs to be another light directly in front of your face (to act as a fill light). If you use only the light above your head, it could cast unflattering shadows on your neck, like in the image below.
You can also control the rays of the light during your photo session by using light modifiers like a soft box, beauty dish, or reflector (you can use a white room or foil paper), among others.
4. Maximize Great Angles
While taking pictures of yourself, you should not stick to one angle; instead, you take your photos from different angles. There are three angles that you can try out during your photo shoot, they are:
a. Elevated Angle (High Level)
b. Normal Angle (Eye Level)
c. Depressed Angle (Low Level)
d. Side Angle
Every level has its benefits and disadvantages. You should know the expressions and poses that are suitable for each angle. Trying various angles helps you discover the angle that best creates a visually stimulating image.
5. Flaunt Your Beauty Side
We all have parts of our bodies that we think look better in pictures than the other parts. Those parts are referred to as ‘beauty sides’. Since pictures represent yourself, you should put your best foot forward by flaunting your beauty side.
6. Perfect Your Poses
There is nothing like a 'perfect pose’. Many "perfect” poses are random poses practised until perfection. The key to having a 'perfect pose' lies in your ability to make fluid movements, embody the pose and make it look natural.
The beautiful thing about poses is that you can make anything into a pose. You need to ensure that your pose flatters your body and promotes the theme and focus of the picture.
7. Use a Nice Background
The background of a picture could either contribute to its beauty or remove its beauty. While taking pictures of yourself, you should use lovely backgrounds that support the theme and focus of the picture. Your location does not have to be elaborate; remember that it is a background, so it should not overshadow the picture.
Some backgrounds can be used as hacks for lighting too. Generally, brighter colours add to the lighting of the background, while darker colours dull the illumination. For example, when you take pictures in a painted white room, the white reflects the light on you. However, if the room is painted black, the black paint absorbs the light in the room, thus creating a dark image.
8. Make Realistic Edits
Editing your pictures is often the best way to up your photography game. Using edits like filters, effects, or even something as simple as cropping your image may just be what your picture needs to be perfect. However, the amendments you make to your photos must be realistic.
Conclusion
The tips in this article to achieve amazing pictures for yourself can also be used to create visually captivating images for others. By applying these hacks, you can become reputable for taking beautiful photographs, and you may even earn some money from them.
