As much I’d love help from my Instagram husband with photos for my website and social media, he is not always available. When I am on deadline or when I simply want my photos done right away, I take them myself! Over time this has become easier to do with the help of a camera remote and tripod. I’m sharing tips on taking photos of yourself for your website, social media or your own photo collections.
Tips:
- Invest in a tripod. I use a Dolica tripod that I’ve had for several years after it was recommended to me by a photography teacher. There are many more affordable options, though.
- Shoot in natural light if possible. (But you can also use a ring or soft box light.) I prefer to turn off artificial lights if shooting inside or to shoot outside in natural light for my photos. I think they come out much better that way!
- Brainstorm shots ahead of time. If you’re taking your own photos (or even if you’re not) I find it helpful to brainstorm your shots ahead of time so you don’t waste time. I will think about what spaces in my house or outdoors make sense for what I want to capture. I will also think about what spaces will have the most light when I want to shoot. I check the weather a few days in advance and try to take photos when the lighting will be best. This is always difficult in the winter here in the Chicago suburbs.
- Use a wireless remote camera shutter vs. timer. You can use a self-timer if that’s what you have, but a remote is inexpensive and allows you to stand in place and not have to run back and forth from your camera to your position. Take a few test shots to make sure you are in frame and you like everything in your background. There are also apps that allow you to connect to your camera and take photos, but then you have to hide your phone. A remote is easy to hide.
- Try different poses and angles. Switch your position around to improve the chances of getting a good photo. I try to stand slightly facing the light in photos.
- Take horizontal shots as well as vertical. For Instagram, I find that horizontal framing works best to avoid having to crop things out of your photo. Nothing irritates me more than having to crop out part of my body from a photo. I also like to take vertical photos for Pinterest purposes.
Do you take your own photos? What tips would you add?
