I’m finally showing you how I take my self portraits!
I know it’s been a long time coming, and a lot of you have been asking for it. This is not going to be a tutorial, per se, but more of me just showing how I do it. I’m definitely not a professional in photography, or modelling, but I’ve been doing this, more or less, about ten years. I’m always learning more and trying to get better at creating the picture I have in my mind.
There are so many variables while taking pictures of one self. On top of the actual photography, I have the modelling part too. Posing, facial expression, perspective, getting a flattering light and making sure the hair and wardrobe work too. It is a challenge, but a fun one for me.
I did a really simple shoot this time, so that it would be easier for me to show you what goes on when I take my self portraits.
So here is a little behind the scenes timelapse from yesterday's A Fuckload of Unfiltered Self Portraits -post.
First I move around some furniture to get the background I want, and because of that, my apartment is always an absolute mess, though a creative one.
Then I get some initial pictures to test out the scene and camera settings. After that I do a little wardrobe change, which usually means taking clothes off, and start to really get in to the shooting part.
You can see me going back and forth, as the light keeps changing, so have to my settings. Sometimes it’s pretty frustrating, but I still prefer natural light and the full control of manual mode.
The other thing I have to keep checking on is the focus. I use auto-focus most of the time, but it often fails to focus on my little face! This older camera only has three focus points to choose from, and sometimes it is a bitch to try to get his attention! Gladly my new camera has 52 points to choose from.
DANCEBREAK!
And of course I have to keep checking if I'm getting any good pictures, overall!
Here is a helpful little trick I do all the time: I place a big mirror behind the camera, so I can see myself, and also see the camera screen to check that I’m placed in the frame like I want to be.
Tools of the trade
This time I utilized both of my cameras so I could show you everything that is going on. I used my old Nikon D60 with the Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G lens to take the portraits, and the Nikon D7200 with the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G to timelapse what’s going on. I had to run to the store to get another memory card, as I realized I only have one. And I never run, but it was Sunday afternoon and the store was about to close and I really wanted to get this done. Normally I use the D7200 with the 35mm lens, that is a killer combo in my opinion.
Along with my camera, my most important tools are the tripod and a remote control. I also sometimes use the Nikon WMU app as a remote, if I know I can hide my enormous iPhone 7 Plus somewhere in the picture. It is a slow and really shitty app, but it does allow me to fully control what is in the frame and to make sure the focus is where I want it to be.
The technical
I always shoot on manual mode, and there are three main things to know and control; shutter speed, aperture and ISO.
Most often I try to use the smallest f-stop, to get the most light and depth to my pictures. I also like to use a pretty slow shutter speed, so there is some movement left on the picture. It gives the pictures almost like a painted effect when there is little motion blur, for example in the hair. I hardly ever use manual focus, because I’m always moving and often use a low f-stop to get more depth to the pictures, so there is not much room for error in the focus department.
Find the light
Finding a good lighting is one of my main focuses on my photography. I get really inspired when I see some interesting light and shadows formed in my apartment, and I’ve pretty much mapped out where, what and when I have different types of light to shoot with. Like this afternoon light that is always very flattering, or the early morning light that you’ll see on tomorrows post. I hardly ever shoot on mid day, I find the light of the day to be pretty boring and too harsh. I prefer early mornings and late afternoons, long deep shadows and moody feelings, the softness of it.
I only use available light in my pictures. If there is no natural light, I just move around my lamps to get the desired effect, does that still count as available light? I never use a flash, that is not my style.
Woah,
this turned out to be a pretty long post, hope it de-mystified a little of my self portrait process. Of course there is still the whole matter of modelling, and post process, but those are for another day. Feel free to ask if there is still something you'd like to know about my self portrait photography.
PS. It was quite nerve-racking having two cameras clicking at me for an hour or so. Red carpet would not be for me..
wow. Thanks Ev =)
This one really is ev-uncovered as you show us behind the scenes.working your magic :)
I am not surprised by the amount of work that you put it in to your shoots as the quality of your photographs always show this to be the case.
It kind of grinds my gears when I see a comment just stating the words 'boobs'- because I can see so much more than people stating the obvious lol
You forever pull off a classy feel to your photos, never ever trashy, I guess better way saying , girl you can work the ass off that camera!!
I am happy always to see what is the next 'theme' you will take!
Maybe that 80's retro neon I see in movies nowadays might make an appearance. Think 'Neon Demon'...
teehhee!😀😀😀
Love this tutorial thank you for showing me how you do your photography! You motivated me to get a tripod and start doing better photos!
"Find the light" still challenges me the most!
"this turned out to be a pretty long post" just the perfect length for Google organic search and for me!
I'm sure you'll find that the tripod helps out a lot in self portraits. And what comes to finding the light, my tips are to use natural light and have the light come to you in an angle, rather than having it straight to your face. That is usually universally flattering.
Well, a long one for me, as I never really write much :D
What is Google organic search?
Just being found in Google when people search! Excuse my marketing language :)
Excuse my noobness :D
I appreciate you having the courage to ask :)
this is some friendly tips, i hope you will like it . upvoted and followed you
✔️ . Bring Something to Focus On
✔️ . Try Standing By a Corner
✔️ . Use Both Auto and Manual Focus
✔️ . Set the Timer High and Use Burst Mode
✔️ . Capture You
✔️ . Apply Minimal Effects
You are not really making any sense.
lol :-D
Hey Eve, That was really cool to see the time-lapse of your self portrait session.
It's true - a lot goes into a photo shoot, lighting, props, positioning, camera angles, etc, most people don't fully understand all of that. Something that is even more challenging when you are the subject AND photographer.
I'm glad you liked it! And thanks for acknowledging that these take quite a lot of work :)
If ten years you have experience in the field of photography and modeling, I really appreciate your profession, it's really amazing. I feel I have to learn a lot with you.
Stunning work. You don't fuck around when it comes to getting shit done Eve, excellent work ethic and on top of that you're motivated, talented, passionate, and drop dead gorgeous... there will be no stopping you.
A Force of Nature
This tsunami thanks you from the deep, rumbling and wild blues of her insides.
This is a great post! You really know what you're talking about. Thanks for sharing.
boobs
Thanks for noticing!
Hard not to.
😂
😂
Stating the obvious
Great write-up on your work-flow, and a very cool time lapse video to go with it!
Thank you very much, I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks for sharing your process with us. Its always interesting to see how other photographers approach their shoots. I think its good for non-photographers to see how much work goes into a shoot as well. :)
It's funny 'cause I don't actually consider myself as a photographer, or a model. I just happen to take pictures of myself and enjoy it :D So what does that make me?
That makes you a photographer/model :) If that doesn't really resonate with you then I would simply say you are an artist.
Hi eve,
Thanks for sharing your (creative) process with us! I know that isn't easy and I appreciate you taking the time to do so and teach us. Very insightful and personal.
When I was a film teacher, I always told my students to focus on the process and enjoy it as much as possible, instead of just focusing on the result. I also asked them to please share as much of their creative process with me. Being a creative myself, I know how hard that is. I have always felt that I didn't share enough of the process that I was going through myself and am now working hard to change that. I recently started a project that I call the A to Z of Creativity and am trying to share its process via my newly started Patreon page. Anyway, I wasn't planning to just talk about me but if you can find the time, you might want to take a little peak at my Steemit blog. It is people like you that inspire me and one of my aims is to focus on and share the stories of other creatives with the world.
Keep on uncovering! ;)
so I would have watched all of that footage if it was in slow motion haha. Great post!
nice processes!
/goes to youtube settings > speed > 0.25, eve n nicer processes hehe
Loved it!!!
Thanks!!!
Thanks for sharing...i"ll start taking some self portraits too
Boahhhh... you move really fast! 😮
I'm really efficient!
I tried to count the number of nip slips, but I ran out of fingers and forgot to remove my shoes. One of the helpful tips that was offered you was kinda scary. Capture you? Does that involve setting a trap?
Haha, good one. Yeah, I'm not sure what he meant by that. But I'll give you a hint, I like shiny things!
Yeah, I know you do. Those razor blades you referred to in a prior reply are stuck in my head, most likely permanently. Gives new meaning to "deep penetration", I would say.
😂
That video, oh my :D But nice moves in the end! And giggleworthy beautiful pictures in the process :3 <3
Do not giggle at me! I'm a strong independent woman, who needs to be taken seriously!
;)
How do you move so fast??? ;)
You're doing pretty good with all that solo setup. Good job.
Thanks for the love :)
God, after watching your video describing your photo sessions I feel like I have lived your whole life! You are doing a lot of work there!
@eveuncovered, your photography is stunning! I am only just getting into the photography world. Do you have any beginners photography tips and suggestions for cameras that are not too expensive?
Xx Kim
@eveuncovered Tatoo on your right knee seems really interesting..what does it read?
Couldn't help but notice it in the video. Lol