Portrait Pain in the ass

[Scurra]

With the recent surge in portrait pics i've seen in the photo gallery I thought i'd just mention that I hate not being able to be behind the camera when i'm taking self portraits... first off focussing can be really awkward... composition moreso, then you have lighting and exposure to deal with, without being able to see through the viewfinder...

If I took self portraits on a film camera i'd have rolls and rolls of duds.

Any tips or tricks from you lovely folks would, I imagine, be useful both for myself and others who find it frustrating not being able to see what they are shooting.

 

[photong]

I found using things, like a pillow, or manakin help. Something life size.

As for lighting, I dont know...I just go with it because I use window light and nothing in the studio because I dont have one or any equipment I would assume if I did it would be the same as lighting anything else.

Plus I have a mini digi instead of film, so that makes things MUCH easier.

I suppose I'm not helping much.

 

[ferny]

photong has a good idea with the pillow and such. Put something a similar colour to your skin on it to, so it'll set the exposure to near enough what you want.
My camera allows me to use the usb output and show what the camera is seeing on the TV. That helps along with the self timer.

 

[Scurra]

Now I didn't think of that Ferny.. using a TV for a viewfinder may have some potential... i'm going to have to have a rummage through my 20D cables...

And photong using pillows etc. sounds like a pillow could make a handy double for when I'm composing shots...