Self Portrait - How?

[minimeeze]

I've decided I'm going to 'attempt' a self portrait for my photography project. Have spent half the day with my head in books trying to get some inspiration, but now I'm stumped and I'm sure there's a straightforward answer...

If I'm doing a self portrait and there is only me in the house, how do I meter the scene (I only have the built in light meter on the camera), and also how do I focus as I can't be behind the camera and in front of it at the same time?

This has to be done using film, although I'm able to practice (or cheat - however you look at it ) setting up the shots on my digital slr first! I have to use the equipment I have and I don't have time or money to go out and buy extra stuff.

 

[Marianne]

how about using a mirror, taking a picture of the reflection? its all in the angle but its easier to pose yourself, use a self timer too or cable release thingy

 

[Hacker]

Put your camera to manual focus and set it for aperture priority of around f/11, stick a teddy bear or something as near to where you are going to be and set the focus, practice either with the timer or using a remote release.

 

[HIMUPNORTH]

^ good start.

< look how well his turned out

 

[CT]

^^^LOL ^^^

Hacker has the right idea - pre-focus on a substiutute model using manual focus. If you can get your substitute model roughly the same tone as skin tones- which will presumably be the tone you'll be metering for? then it will make life easier. If not then you'll have have to give more or less exposure depending on whether the background is lighter or darker than skin tones.

You could make life a lot easier by doing some test shots using your DSLR, then once you have a good exposure, transfer the settings (ISO, aperture and shutter speed) to the film camera.

 

[Catdaddy]

Don't forget that the focal length of the lens is going to be different for your film cam...