I am totally self conscious as well and probably because i am a perfectionist and am concentrating way too much on my "perceived flaws" . Go ahead post a picture of yourself, including your face and don't worry about what everyone else will think. Craig is right the more you take the easier it gets.
I'm pretty mortified of self portraits...so far I've only been brave enough to post half a shot of myself...back in the early days of this project. I'm hoping that somewhere in the next 81/2 months, I'll be brave enough to try the full shot...everyone else seems to do such a great job with their self portraits on this site, it's inspiring!
Self-portraits are probably one of the hardest things to shoot, for myself included, mainly because I think we, as artists, tend to be very self-critical. I try to avoid taking my own photo, so I'm not sure I'm much help to you here, but just know that you're not the only one who struggles with this!
I've always said that I took up photography so I could be on the proper side of the camera. But, as time goes on, I notice that there is never any pictures of me. So, I have had to learn to deal with being on the other side too. I've gotten used to it. Kind of like being afraid heights, which I am. I conquer it by venturing onto every roller coaster I can get on.
Self portraits are definitely tough! I have started to force myself to try and do them more often to try and get over some of my own "perceived flaws" as Rachel put it. I am fighting with some body issues and trying to lose weight so I always hate the pictures initially but I have found that eventually I am grateful that I took it. Sometimes it takes longer than others to appreciate them but in the end you do because it is too easy to always hide behind the camera.
I would suggest getting a tripod if you don't have one already and get comfortable with using it and a self timer. Get outside and play with it. You don't have to show the photos to anyone if you don't want to but don't delete them yet either. You will see.
I haven't found any solution yet. I have found one thing though. I tend to actually be ok with my selfies and find them more portrait-y and more "art" vs "just a pic of myself" if they are natural and not uber forced.
I feel your pain. I hate self-portraits. The one official one I did for this project I overexposed in photoshop to help cover my wrinkles. I'll do another one eventually. We should have a self-portrait day. See how many people will post one :-)
I think I would do a self portrait theme. I say think because as you can see from my profile pic I am not comfortable being in front of the camera. I am already planning in my mind how I can do it without really doing it. LOL!
hmmm...there is a picture I really want to take, and if there'll be a selfie theme, I'll save it for that... it'll include my all-time favorite (short) piece of poetry that's almost like a quote...
the more self portraits you take, the better ou will get at achieving the right lighting and angles to expose your best features. i have also found that in taking alot my own self portraits i am beginning to love my flaws alot more, learnng to love myself so to speak...which in turn should help my own self conciessness.
as an amature photographer we find ourselves running out of willing and co-operative models, so turning the camera around to ourselves just makes sense.
dont be scared, keep shooting and trying different angles and light, a tripod is my new best friend!
How would you describe a self portrait? Does it have to be something set up with lighting and posed as if you were actually doing a photo shoot of someone? Or can it be a "candid" shot as long as you are in the picture? Just curious as to what others thing. If there isn't a theme for self portraits, I may just declare my own self portrait week and attempt seven different shot where I am the main focal point in them. Maybe I will take my kitchen chair back to the beach sit in it, looking out at the water. is that a self portrait?
I think it depends on when you are born. I'm pretty comfortable with self portraits because 90% of teens my age take them.
I know. Teenagers, right. Goodness me.
If i were you I would just spend a day taking some. You'll feel sort of idiotic at the beginning, but it it is worth it. By the end of it, you'll have an idea of what works best for you and what you are most comfortable with.
This picture needs a face! Sometimes I will crop a head off of a picture but it is because I want the focus to be on the hands for an example. I do not think you should be self conscious no matter what you look like. You are you and that is a beautiful thing. You can play around and try different angles on your face and see what works best for you. I hope that helps.
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i'm self conscious too
sometimes you just gotta say
HEY
this is me!
:) good luck
lessthan three
I'll try but no promises
I would suggest getting a tripod if you don't have one already and get comfortable with using it and a self timer. Get outside and play with it. You don't have to show the photos to anyone if you don't want to but don't delete them yet either. You will see.
http://365project.org/autumnseden/naturally/2010-04-11
I haven't found any solution yet. I have found one thing though. I tend to actually be ok with my selfies and find them more portrait-y and more "art" vs "just a pic of myself" if they are natural and not uber forced.
i love your shot, though. that would be what my self portrait would look like cause i am terribly self-conscious.
@Jenn - I love that you can just say "Louise" and we all know who you are talking about. I love this place!!!
I'd even like to try a multiple self portrait day like http://365project.org/ms6/365/2010-04-06
The main thing I seemed to note...was to show my face, just go for it, and that a self portrait theme would do well :)
truly appreciate the comment and I'll try to post a self portrait sometime....before the end of the challenge :P
as an amature photographer we find ourselves running out of willing and co-operative models, so turning the camera around to ourselves just makes sense.
dont be scared, keep shooting and trying different angles and light, a tripod is my new best friend!
have fun with it!
good luck
I know. Teenagers, right. Goodness me.
If i were you I would just spend a day taking some. You'll feel sort of idiotic at the beginning, but it it is worth it. By the end of it, you'll have an idea of what works best for you and what you are most comfortable with.