Self Portrait

Crtm

Crtm

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Carol
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Hi,

I know this sounds like a strange question but how do you take a self portrait, I have tried several times but I find it difficult to get the focusing right. I would post my best attempt on here but would not want to give everyone a fright!

What further equipment would I need to purchase to make this possible? I have a canon 1100D.

Look forward to your replies.

Carol
 
I've had a go recently and while it was okay it was nothing special.

I'm lucky in that I have a remote shutter release which helps (a Yongunuo RF-600TX and RF-602RX - they're actuallt flash triggers but double up as a shutter release which will be its main function now), or a shutter release cable, either on a timer or a cable would work too.

I digress, but those helped me as I sat on a stool and didn't have to rush over and wait for the self timer to finish.

Now getting the focus stop on is hard, basically I put in AF mode with the spot focus where I thought my eye would be then let it focus, then switched to manual mode ensuring the focus was set to rear button, although thinking about it just switching the lens to MF would have been better, this ensured the focus didn't go off again.

Next it was just a case of sitting down again and take a few shots, I was also tethered to the PC (a laptop would have been better as I could have had it closer just out of shot), it was just a case of get th elook and moving back and forth slightly if I thought the focus was off.

I did take around 30-40 shots to get a half decent one though and thats with all my techie help :)
 
I have to experiment with this for a lighting setup I want to improve
so I would get a remote shutter release and tether your camera to your laptop
then you can take the pic, see the result and reposition
or active live view (on the tripod) and put the camera with it's back to a mirror if you have the eyesight for that :)
 
I found if you don't have a shutter release then use a broom or somthing else to get focus spot on... (manual focus)..the set to 10 sec timer and stand where the broom was...check the image if good mark the floor for future shots...then you can then lights etc as needed
 
Ah thanks guys for all your help never thought of putting it to manual focus, will have a go tonight and see what I come up with.

Carol
 
Danzaroonie said:
I found if you don't have a shutter release then use a broom or somthing else to get focus spot on... (manual focus)..the set to 10 sec timer and stand where the broom was...check the image if good mark the floor for future shots...then you can then lights etc as needed
Click to expand...

:plusone:

If you can see my profile pic and then look at my "started thread posts". All the pic's of me have been done in this same way.

Good luck. :thumbs:
 
Just taken a look at Luga's shots and judging by them this broom thing really works - very nice work, take a look at his exif info too as that that will show a few more tips such as timing, apature etc.
 
Still practicing haven't got it right yet or perhaps I just don't like the ones of myself!!! :lol:
 
OMG no!

Scary........ more wrinkles than a Shar Pei dog!! :p

It's the focusing that I am having huge issues with the photographs are just not sharp!
 
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I'm a Nikon man but assume Canon's must have a continuous focus mode too. Select continuous and then use self timer to get the shot. A remote would do the job too
 
Hi Paul, just checked the camera and it has what Canon call Al Servo which is the same as continuous focus I believe.

Carol
 
Ah think I am getting there camera ISO 100, f5/6, Al Focus, with an Exposure Com of -3 will post a photograph when I am happy with it.

My saying of the moment is "If at first you don't succeed try try again".

In the meantime thanks for all your help.

Carol
 
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Ok you lot no laughing this is my best effort on a self portrait please be gentle and no criticising the wrinkles!


Self 1 by MrsR66, on Flickr


Self by MrsR66, on Flickr
 
Hi thanks I am finding this difficult to achive will try again later. Carol
 
Carol.
In 25 years you may be entitled to start moaning about wrinkles.
Until then just be grateful you don't look like me.

For future reference, if you think you are starting to age then raise the ISO to bring a little noise - it will hide some of the signs of age. Overexposing a little will loose some of those lines too. Experiment in PP by boosting the exposure and maybe contrast too.
You may ask yourself just how do I know - well, I am obviously way older than you !
 
Thanks for your helpful hints will add them to tonights sitting.

Carol
 
stevewestern said:
Carol.
In 25 years you may be entitled to start moaning about wrinkles.
Until then just be grateful you don't look like me.

For future reference, if you think you are starting to age then raise the ISO to bring a little noise - it will hide some of the signs of age. Overexposing a little will loose some of those lines too. Experiment in PP by boosting the exposure and maybe contrast too.
You may ask yourself just how do I know - well, I am obviously way older than you !
Click to expand...

Thanks Steve sorry for the brevity of last nights message but was on my mobile and I could not quote you as I am doing now. Thank you for your tips I will endeavour to try again later this evening. I am not very good at having my photograph taken and tend to shy away when the lens is being pointed in my direction, so for me to post my attempts on here takes a lot believe me.

I am sure I will get there but whether I am happy with the results or not is a different story. I look at my own photograph with a very critical eye, not nice to be reminded of the aging process in your own face. :lol:

Carol
 
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your a bit like me carol im camera shy i like to be at the back of the camera not in front of it lol
 
Yes I did will try again tonight and see how I get on.

Carol
 
Hi are these ones any better, took your advice Steve and upped the ISO and did a little PP to soften my face apart from my eyes. Has it worked or do I need to go back to the drawing board?

Carol


Portrait by MrsR66, on Flickr


Portrait 3 by MrsR66, on Flickr
 
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Carol, I am away from my pc and this one only has picasa so I am limited in what I can do but here is a few seconds worth of editing from me - hope you don't mind but to my eyes it lifts you a little.

8189978261_d15bd17c02_e.jpg


8191205728_159a8c5b88_e.jpg


The new ones certainly look to me as if you are getting there so keep on trying !
 
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Hi Steven thanks for doing that it shows me what I need to be aiming for when taking the photograph. Also perhaps I need a stronger light shining on my face will keep trying as long as your willing to give a little cc now and then. Question do I look nervous I don't feel too bad while taking them but when I look at the photographs I think I look uncomfortable.

Thanks Carol
 
Crtm said:
Hi Steven thanks for doing that it shows me what I need to be aiming for when taking the photograph. Also perhaps I need a stronger light shining on my face will keep trying as long as your willing to give a little cc now and then. Question do I look nervous I don't feel too bad while taking them but when I look at the photographs I think I look uncomfortable.

Thanks Carol
Click to expand...

I like both of these, an improvement from your first attempt....what I vaguely remember of them.....
You don't look too nervous from what I can see...I think the more you do the more comfortable you'll be....
 
To me it looks as if you are under exposing slightly as your edits look a little flat.
You don't look nervous - a little suspicious maybe !
When you do these pictures are you alone - if so then grab a glass of wine and spend half an hour taking loads of shots - self portraits are so hard to do well and I expect most of us feel self conscious, rather silly and very aware of what life is doing to our faces - certainly I do...!
I'll be happy to keep offering a little encouragement but am far from being an expert so I hope some better qualified folks come along soon to help out.

As regards the lighting - it is such a personal thing - I might try to keep the background darker by masking off the light or using a grid of sorts and maybe making your main light bigger and softer - do you have an umbrella or softbox ?
Another light behind and above you to separate you from the background would be good too, but at this stage I think you need to concentrate on getting yourself more relaxed and enjoying the shoot more.
 
Hi Steve thanks for your CC and edits, yes l am on my own when l take the photographs as l would not do it otherwise. :lol:

l will keep going and see if l can improve.

At least l know I am going in the right direction.

Thanks once again.

Carol
 
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