Self Portrait Help!

[Brittany Trappe]

Do you use self timer? Or get someone to help? How you you get clear, focused images? I want to do more with selfies and I am having trouble not using a helper haha. I have a Nikon D40...any tips?

[Chris]

I would suggest an infared wireless remote (If they make one for the D40) That is the best and easiest way of doing it. The next option would be to either manually set the focus at a set distance, or an object and then stand in place of the said object.

[BonnieB]

I often take a picture when I notice myself in a mirror or reflection... as illustrated in my profile pic taken on Christmas Day. I wouldn't mind trying something more dramatic, but figure that would take a tripod plus futzing with settings and timers, if using SLR. With P&S, for Christmas I got a funny present -- a little pole that you screw the camera onto (like a little mono-pod) and hold it out in front of yourself.

[BonnieB]

Last year I read these articles:

DPS: Self Portrait Photography Tips
http://www.digital-photography-school.com/self-portrait-photography-tips

Lifehacker: Take Incredible Self-Portraits
http://lifehacker.com/333883/take-incredible-self+portraits

Photododo: Six Methods for Perfectly Focused Self-Portraits
http://photodoto.com/index.php/2007/12/09/im-ready-for-my-closeup-6-methods-for-perfectly-focused-self-portraits/

[Minerva Condition]

Thanks Bonnie! The last link is very useful!

[LisLee]

I have a D40 also and have yet to figure out how to get a clear self-portrait. I have used the manual focus but don't know what to focus on so that whenever I get in front of the camera, I'll be in focus. Still trying to figure out the self-portrait mystery too! I have also used the button on the left side of the camera for the self timer, but the focus part is what I haven't figured out yet.

[Swann]

Personally, i use this one : http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00007EDZG/digicamguides-20
It's also work on D40 and it's very very useful !

[Samantha Payne]

Investing in a wireless remote will be the best thing you've ever done.
I would have not gotten through my year of selfies last year without one!

[Jen Sides (foursides)]

A wireless remote is a must when doing self portraits! It will save you so much time.

I have the Canon 60D and the brilliant thing about it for self portraits is that the LCD screen flips out and swivels around so I can actually see myself while I'm taking the photo. I can see exactly where the focus is without having to run back to my camera and look. With out that feature, I don't know that I'd be doing so many self portraits.

[Rachel Hope Callison]

Get a remote. they are awesome! Before i had my remote i used to put the vacuum cleaner where i was going to stand put my camera on timer, focus on the vacuum cleaner then quick run over move the vacuum out of the way and wait for the camera to take my picture. Totally crazy i know but most of my pictures turned out that way. But seriously get a wireless remote you will be glad you did.

[Loni W.]

You can always set your camera on a counter or table that's close by and use the timer feature if you don't have a remote.

[Alison Bradshaw]

agreed about the remote...i have two (one for each camera bag)...i use the Nikon D60 and the Nikon remote will autofocus for you....looooove it!

[Justin Cambridge]

You can get remotes for cheap - probably the best option for ya :) It sure beats running back and forth trying to make it in before the shutter clicks!

[Jordan Anderson (icywarm)]

I decided to not go with the remote (ok I washed it with my jeans twice! It still worked after one time)

So I trained a monkey... not for everyone.. but very handy....

If not for the monkey I would totally buy a new remote.

[Brittany Trappe]

@ninjashutter @icywarm @justincambridge @alisongbradshaw @shutterbug0810 @littlebitcrazy @foursides @sampayne @swann @lislee75 @minervaconditio @bonniebouman Thank you all SO much! I have never even seen a remote! Thanks for the tips :)