How do I take proper photos of myself?

[Wildjack]

I have just hired a fitness coach and would like to take some photos now and when I through a 12 week program. However, when I've take photos of myself in the past, it has always been with shadows all over the place, and some quite horrible photos.

I used to take the photos in my basement in front of a white wall. The ceiling is rather low but without knowing if that matters (reflects light in a weird way), I thought that I perhaps should have some proper background as well as a proper flash instead of the build-in one.

My camera is a Sony Alpha 380.

If you have specific recommendations I wouldn't mind if they were not the most expensive ones in the world. Also, prices and links would be nice. I live in Denmark, so European websites would be really nice.

All feedback is appreciated.

 

[sscarmack]

 

[Designer]

If you have specific recommendations ..

recommendations for what?

 

[Wildjack]

Flash, background gear etc.

Just looked at the video, and looks pretty much like what I'm already doing. That said, my basement has not got any natural light, and using the built-in flash seems to give some shadows on the background/wall from my body.

 

[Wildjack]

I normally take one from the side and one from the front. As you can see, there is a big shadow on the left side from my throat and down (photo from the side), and several shadows on the photo from the front.

 

[Braineack]

Do it in front of a window that's off to the side to provide soft natural side light...preferably when the neighbors are outside.

 

[Designer]

As you can see, there is a big shadow on the left side from my throat and down (photo from the side), and several shadows on the photo from the front.

The way to not see the shadows on the wall is to move away from the wall. You should get at least 6 feet or more away from the wall.

The built-in flash has made a very flat light. You can help this by using some additional lighting, such as a floor or table lamp. Use the BI flash for fill. (You'll probably need to turn down the power of it.)

Alternatively, you can try to re-direct your BI flash using a reflector just in front of the flash. Reflect the flash up to the ceiling, or bounce it off some large white board so the light comes more from the side.

 

[KmH]

Why not hire a photographer in addition to the fitness coach.

The shadows are dense and have sharp edges because the light source is small.
Photographers use light modifiers that make a small light source seem lots bigger, like umbrellas or soft boxes, to make shadows more diffuse and soft edged.

 

[Jasii]

Solid advice has already been laid on the table.

Jasii

 

[sm4him]

<<<Look at my avatar. You definitely do NOT want ME telling you how to take proper photos of yourself.

 

[petrochemist114 139]

If you aren't likely to need the flash for other uses later I'd not bother using flash at all. Nice flash units for portraits aren't cheap and you should be able to stand reasonably still. When you are the subject it's relatively easy to avoid image movement for suitable exposures (even if you have to go as far as 1 second exposures).
Natural light from the window is generally better, and if the windows light is too dim tungsten lighting can be made to work just fine too. Large white boards/sheets can be used to provide bounced fill in lighting as desired.

You seem to have an adequate camera & lens. I suspect the tripod won't be an issue either, so with a little ingenuity youu should be able to make use of what you already have to give lighting & reflectors.

If you really want to minimise shadows on the wall behind you a desk lamp either side of you shining onto the wall at 45° should do the job.

 

[table1349]

Why not hire a photographer in addition to the fitness coach.

The shadows are dense and have sharp edges because the light source is small.
Photographers use light modifiers that make a small light source seem lots bigger, like umbrellas or soft boxes, to make shadows more diffuse and soft edged.

Better still, how about hiring a fitness coach that is also a photogrpher? Kill two birds with one stone that way.