In this modern age, with all social media apps being the platform for sharing oneself, we all channel, at one time, our inner vanity. We wanted to be validated based on our appearances and what way to do that than by taking self-portraits. This does not refer to the photo to custom paint by numbers kit but with the use of modern technology.
There are many capable cameras used to capture a self-portrait. There are the DLSRs, the latest smartphones, and even camera drones. In case you are wondering, what is the difference between a self-portrait and a selfie? Are they synonymous, or do they differ in the application?
Difference Between Self-Portrait And Selfie
Self-portraits and selfies are similar to the way the action is performed. Both situations require you to capture an image of yourself. However, what differs between the two is the intent behind the action.
In selfies, you snap a picture of yourself, mostly using your smartphone’s front camera, to capture the moment. You want something as a remembrance that you attended an event, you’ve reached a destination, you met someone, or you just wanted to look attractive.
On the other hand, you can use anything in self-portraits, whether the rear view of a smartphone, a DSLR camera, or a drone. But instead of capturing the moment, you create one. You conduct a photoshoot of your own and dictate what will be the outcome as long as the subject is you, owning the situation.
How to Take a Self-Portrait
Even if you are good at taking selfies, there are things you still need to do to prepare for a self-portrait. Remember that you are the director of your own photoshoot and it must be to your liking. Here are the things you need to do:
Preparate Your Equipment
A DSLR camera is the best option to take self-portraits. However, you need something to hold it in its place. If you are using a tripod, choose the short and bendy one.
You can create many angles with it, and your camera can be placed on higher ground with less difficulty. If you don’t have a tripod, try to improvise but make sure the setup is stable.
Another thing to prepare is the lens. You will most likely need those with a high f-number since it can focus well on you and the capture is great.
However, in case of low light situations, you will need a lens with a low f-number. Whatever the lighting of the situation, prepare an appropriate lens for it.
Control the Capture
There are two ways of capturing a self-portrait. You can use the timer or a remote controller.
- Self-Timers – Self-timers are convenient since you can make last-second adjustments before the actual snap. However, suppose the result turned out to be unsatisfying. In that case, you will need to redo the shoot, and therefore, you have to go to the camera’s position, set the timer, and go back to your intended pose. Such a task can be cumbersome.
- Remote Controller – A solution to the bothering situation of using a self-timer often is having a remote controller. You can even use your smartphone as one and pair it with your camera using an app. The downside is that your camera must be capable of having such a feature. If not, you’ll have to rely on the self-timer.
Use an Assistant
Having an assistant to click the image is a more convenient choice. But, there is a very fine line for considering such action as a self-portrait. If all your assistant will be doing is to press the capture button and strictly nothing else, then he/she will be considered as a remote controller, and the whole action is still a self-portrait.
Conclusion
It is normal to take self-portraits once in a while. Use the opportunity to feel good about yourself and celebrate your beauty. Above all else, remember that you do that for your own sake and not for other people’s opinions.