How Do You Get In Your Own Photos? The Secrets of Self Portraiture…

My face was plastered all over the television today!  But it was all for a good cause!  I was so excited to be a contributor again for KSL’s Studio 5 show and talk all about the importance of self portraiture and exactly “HOW” to get in your own pictures!

This is an aspect of photography that I have grown more and more passionate about this year as I have embarked on my Family Life Project 52.  The challenge of being able to get a stellar picture that maintains authenticity AND includes me in the image as well, has pushed me dramatically.  Its made me a better photographer, but most importantly, I’ve been able to visually be a part of my own family’s photo history.

In today’s segment, I share my ideas on why self portraiture can make you a better photographer and the helpful tools to make the experience not only possible, but ENJOYABLE at the same time!

 

GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS MENTIONED:

  • Tri-pod.  I used to have a basic cheapo tri-pod.  It really tempted me to take up the habit of cussing.  I told myself I didn’t need a nice tri-pod because I was a lifestyle photographer who moved around too much to be tied to a tri-pod.  Then I bought a nice professional one and my life changed. I now believe in tri-pods in a major way! I use mine All. The. Time. I use this Manfrotto Tripod ($150) plus this Manfrotto Ball Head ($80) attachment. (You need both.)  It makes me happy and keeps my language clean and pure :)
  • Timer.  Most camera’s have some type of timer function, but let me tell you about the Nikon D7000 timer function. Its AMAZING!  I love this super tiny awesome feature, because it lets me set the timer to take not just one, but up to 9 shots each time it is set to go!  This means that we can play and have fun, interact, all while shots are being fired and not have to administrate each shot one at a time.  This is a feature becoming more and more common on DSLR’s, but this camera happens to be my favorite!
  • Remote. I purchased the AmazonBasics Wireless Remote Control for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras for $10. It’s amazing. My son loves to get the privilege of triggering the camera from the remote and it helps to make the photo time special and fun.

Brooke Snow is a Lifestyle photographer in Cache Valley, Utah. She thrives in efficiency and the pursuit of an authentic life. Much of her creative energy is spent entertaining the adventures of her 2 year old son who teaches her to see the world for its wonder.

Brooke teaches inspiring online photography classes that bring you confidence in your skills and creativity.

Did you like this post? Please share it!

17 Responses

    1. Thanks Stacy! I hope it helps YOU get in the images more! Did you know I had a dream about you last night?! Crazy. Probably because I read your comment right before bed! ha ha! So funny!

  1. How inspiring Brook! Loved this!! I am headin over to my camera right now to check out my interval timer….i have the Canon 5D

  2. This is awesome Brooke. I try to get in some shots here in there when I have someone around to take the picture. But I’m horrible at doing it myself. Thanks for sharing.

    1. Thank you Billie! I hope you’ll try getting in more shots even when someone else isn’t around!

    1. coming from YOU, Maryanne, the Queen of self portraiture, that means the world 🙂 Thank you!

  3. hi brooke, another fun and informative show. I love your enthusiasm, it is contagious! I do have a question about the manual setting. You just change the front lever to manual and that’s it? I plan on trying it and i agree with you, a good tripod is worth whatever you have to pay…thanks for the lesson…miranda

    1. Hi Miranda! Yes, on my camera all I have to do is move the front switch to manual focus. Sometimes it will be a switch on the actual lens.

  4. Oh my gosh Brooke, what a lovely interview you are a natural and its so amazing because I just published a blog post on trying self portraits and your tv segment gave me the answers to some of the issues I have been struggling with, thank you so much, you are fabulous!Mwah!

    1. Oh Moria!! Hooray!!! I’m delighted that you had some of your questions answered, but even more delighted that you’re trying self portraits!! Way to go! I’d love to see some!

Leave a Reply to Sandra Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *