self portraits

Sparkles33

Sparkles33

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Nattelie
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What methods have you found best for getting the most out of yourself portraits?

So far I've found that shooting wider than I usually would oviously compensates for not being able to see what is in the frame and cropping while PP. I've also come to the conclusion that it's much easier if I have a full length mirror behind the tripod - just to give an idea of what I look like so that I can ajust pose etc. Remote trigger release with a 2 second delay is preferable too (gives time to hide the remote!)

I know that these are pretty obvious, so I was wondering, what do you guys do?
 
MagicMynx said:
I know that these are pretty obvious, so I was wondering, what do you guys do?
Click to expand...

camera phone, pointed at mirror, pout on and funny angle. :D

ok no seriously, camera on tripod, pre-focussed on self-timer.
 
camera on tripod, compose, set camera to interval shooting and fire shutter, run to my spot!

interval shooting is such a godsend...you specify how many images to take and the interval between each shot. Best thing is, it refocusses before each exposure.
 
Can interval shooting be done on any camera or a select few? I've not heard of it before but I'm discovering new things with my camera all the time.
 
I don't believe the 5d mk2 has a built in intervalometer so you would have to buy one separately. But you don't really need to use that - just use the self-timer.
 
As an alternative, how about installing Magic Lantern firmware? This has an intervalometer.
 
MagicMynx said:
shooting wider than I usually would oviously compensates for not being able to see what is in the frame and cropping while PP. I've also come to the conclusion that it's much easier if I have a full length mirror behind the tripod - just to give an idea of what I look like so that I can ajust pose etc. Remote trigger release with a 2 second delay is preferable too (gives time to hide the remote!)
Click to expand...

Nattelie, you've pretty much described my method, although if I can't find the remote I use the 10 sec timer. I do have a spare tripod that I focus on then set the camera to manual (and try to stand in the same spot). The mirror is a great help.

kman said:
built in intervalometer
Click to expand...
I've just had to google what one was lol. It sounded very technical, now I know :)
 
For head and shoulders type self portrait choose small aperture, position yourself in front of the camera and use the remote control to fire. No need to pre-focus. I used AF and it worked every time.
 
Hard to get a good model these days.

Here is my most recent one

suzycanon580.jpg
 
1st thing....LOL
this thread made me smile

however, should I ever wish to take my own portrait and risk my camera lenses & insurance
I would use a remote shutter/trigger, tripod etc
and set it up using canon utility so that the output is shown on a laptop screen facing me.
then I can see the output, also I think it takes a liveview feed
otherwise good eyesight and setup the camera so the LCD is reflected in a mirror :)
 
DG Phototraining said:
I'm getting worried about how many of you are into photographing yourselves while alone !!! :eek:

Some 'special' hidden albums on your mega password encrypted harddrives no doubt ;)

Dave
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TBH, I really don't like being in front of the camera, but sometimes I have an idea and time to implement it and no-one to pose. ;) (plus it's sort of getting me to be more comfortable at the other end)

I also find it a useful means of trying out portrait poses and seeing what might work and being able to show it to other people. :)

No hidden albums, honest LOL
 
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I just connect the camera (on a tripod) to the laptop via USB and use the EOS utility in live shoot mode.. that way I can move the focus point to ensure its on my eyes and compose/adjust settings and take the shot.
 
That's a good idea with laptop. I have 600d with flip screen which helps as you can twist it to face you but eyesight not that good and can end up with eyes struggling to see small screen.
As for taking self portraits, it's useful if you don't have a model or your friends and family are fed up of you asking them to pose for a photo ( the novelty wears off especially if you're new to this like me). I hate having my photo taken but if I'm taking it and only I see it and am in charge if the delete button then there is a lot you can learn and it's all extra practice 
 
Loopy said:
..but sometimes I have an idea and time to implement it and no-one to pose. (plus it's sort of getting me to be more comfortable at the other end)
Click to expand...

This is me!

I think I need to experiment with EOS Utility & Live View Shooting with my Macbook. I'm trying to find more information on it with the 5D MKII tho, I probably need to update my utility.
 
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