I need a self-portrait... any hints?

[TStorm]

I need a self-portrait for a photography class I'm taking. Does anyone have any suggestions? I really have no clue where to start.
Thanks in advance!

 

[maulrat]

Choose a background, grab a tripod and your camera and take the shot. Perhaps you can try different backgrounds like at the beach or park. Also try taking some shots with a nice bokehed background. That way, the focus of attention can be more on you rather than your background. Sharp backgrounds tend to be distracting in my opinion.

 

[Rachelsne]

use manual focus-position object where your head will be, set manual focus set self timer get infront of lens and position head where object that you pre focused on was, or buy a remote that allows you to focus...

 

[DavidSR]

use manual focus-position object where your head will be, set manual focus set self timer get infront of lens and position head where object that you pre focused on was, or buy a remote that allows you to focus...

I see what you are trying to say, but in my opinion it is easier to autofocus on an object where you will be, switch to manual focus so the focusing doesn't change and take the shot either by using the timer or remote.

 

[TStorm]

Quick responses! Thanks for your help.

I'm mostly wondering about content - composition (does the rule of thirds apply for portraits?), background, pose, etc. Working the camera shouldn't be a problem.

Does anyone have any examples of their work?

 

[DavidSR]

I'm not very photogenic so I am very limited in what I have to offer as far as samples go lol

 

[chrisburke]

Quick responses!

Does anyone have any examples of their work?

here is a whole thread of self portraits.. surely you can glean some kool ideas from it

 

[TStorm]

here is a whole thread of self portraits.. surely you can glean some kool ideas from it

Where's this thread?

Here's a couple that I've come up with so far... comments?

 

[chrisburke]

Where's this thread?

Here's a couple that I've come up with so far... comments?

my bad, i forgot to paste it in


and i forgot again.. here it is

http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=32188&highlight=portrait

wow i'm stupid today

 

[chrisburke]

Here's a couple that I've come up with so far... comments?

seems like you forget.. like me

 

[TStorm]

The link was broken... for whatever reason. Computers.

 

[manaheim]

Hey Rachel... you know, I was actually able to do this by just sitting in front of the camera and triggering the shutter remotely via my cable... do you do the manual thing because of a timed release?

 

[epp_b]

Point camera at face, press shutter

 

[maulrat]

Point camera at face, press shutter

LoL. good way to turn a DSLR into a Point and Shoot :greenpbl:

 

[TBAM]

I would advise to push the creativity of the shot as it's going to be assessed and marked.

Instead of just taking a photo of yourself, make the photo about yourself. Make the background something that says something about you, make what you wear say something about you. PP it to be about you.

An example, (even though it is a painting):

This could easily be done in a photograph, but it says more than just a snapshot would. Not saying you have to copy that style exactly, or PP extra copies of you into it, but make your portrait interesting. Your marks will thank you endlessly and will stand you out compared to the class.