Self portraits
Jan 22, 2012 10:45:30 #
Hi all. I'm a newbie here. I shoot with an older Sony Alpha 100. I have been interested in photography for many years now (I'm currently 62) but have never been able to devote the time to become very good at it.
This post is in response to a recent post on "self portraits". I am not really interested much in taking my own picture, and I'm not really very photogenic (some may say I'm downright ugly). Since I have always been the photographer in the family, I have thousands of photos of everyone else in my family, and of friends. It occured to me recently that very few pictures of me exist, and those that do are not very flattering at all (keep in mind that there is not much to work with).
Someday when I'm gone, and my kids and grandkids look through my photo files they will wonder if dad (or grandpa) was really as goofy as the few pictures of me that exist would indicate. I have made a few attempts at making a self portrait, but the results have not been worth keeping.
I'd be very interested in hearing other photographers feelings on this topic.
Jomamma1
This post is in response to a recent post on "self portraits". I am not really interested much in taking my own picture, and I'm not really very photogenic (some may say I'm downright ugly). Since I have always been the photographer in the family, I have thousands of photos of everyone else in my family, and of friends. It occured to me recently that very few pictures of me exist, and those that do are not very flattering at all (keep in mind that there is not much to work with).
Someday when I'm gone, and my kids and grandkids look through my photo files they will wonder if dad (or grandpa) was really as goofy as the few pictures of me that exist would indicate. I have made a few attempts at making a self portrait, but the results have not been worth keeping.
I'd be very interested in hearing other photographers feelings on this topic.
Jomamma1
Jan 22, 2012 11:17:28 #
Let someone or several take your camera to take images of you with the family.
Hopefully, several may have their own cameras.
Ask them to take pics during activities of you with kids & grandkids.
You will enjoy seeing images of loved ones around you happy and enjoying you! Again, "They are happy being with you!"
You will enjoy seeing images of them "happy with you".
Always offer a story at get togethers. Think about some of your childhood memories and experiences and tell these stories. You know, "When I was your age....". Hand off your camera. The family will love this. If you have a lot of grand kids, each time, ask one to sit with you as to tell all.
Have fun with this! I know you will!!
Pat
Hopefully, several may have their own cameras.
Ask them to take pics during activities of you with kids & grandkids.
You will enjoy seeing images of loved ones around you happy and enjoying you! Again, "They are happy being with you!"
You will enjoy seeing images of them "happy with you".
Always offer a story at get togethers. Think about some of your childhood memories and experiences and tell these stories. You know, "When I was your age....". Hand off your camera. The family will love this. If you have a lot of grand kids, each time, ask one to sit with you as to tell all.
Have fun with this! I know you will!!
Pat
Jan 23, 2012 06:04:55 #
jomamma1 wrote:
Hi all. I'm a newbie here. I shoot with an older S... (show quote)
I feel your pain. I have always been the one with the camera. There are probably 6 photos (not driver license) of me as an adult and I have those as someone used my camera each time.
Jan 23, 2012 06:45:46 #
berchman
Loc: South Central PA
jomamma1 wrote:
Hi all. I'm a newbie here. I shoot with an older S... (show quote)
I have had good results setting the camera on a tripod and using the self timer while experimenting with different lighting setups. Dig up some conventional suggestions for posing and try them all out.
Jan 23, 2012 07:54:20 #
jomamma1 wrote:
Hi all. I'm a newbie here. I shoot with an older S... (show quote)
Jomamma1,
Well set your camera on a tripod if you have one, pick a place to sit, then put something on the chair you can focus on, take that photo. Then adjust the camera to its optimum. Switch places with the item and shoot your self on the timer setting or with a remote trigger. You may need to take a number of shots to get it right.
George
Jan 23, 2012 09:05:19 #
I am in the same boat as is most of the rest of us pix takers.....I find that with the timer turned on , sit in a chair facing away from the camera at about a 25 degree angle. That is turn you whole body to the right or left slightly and look straigh ahead (not at the camera)...and either smile or not depending on which you like better... try it..
Jan 23, 2012 09:11:24 #
Nikocarol
Loc: NM & FL
I feel just like you...so the other day I went to a mirror looked though the viewfinder focused and then moved myself just out of the way a bit took the image...and yes, I photographed with the camera in the image...but it worked.
Personally I like the other suggestions everyone is saying...set it up.
Good luck!
Personally I like the other suggestions everyone is saying...set it up.
Good luck!
Jan 23, 2012 10:20:57 #
I have a Canon Rebel and also a wireless remote control. Set your camera on a tripod within range of a wireless remote and just push the button whenever you feel the need. My wireless remote has a 2 second delay function that waits 2 seconds to trip the lens which gives you enough time to point the controller at the camera - push the button - then hide the controller so that it is not obvious that you are using it.
Jan 23, 2012 10:38:13 #
I am the same way ... I hate to have my photo taken .. not photogenic is an understatement. I have decided not to worry so much about whether or not there are a ton of photographs of me after I'm gone ... because ..1. well I'm dead so it won't bother me so much... and 2. everybody knows this about me already so they will just have to treasure the few that are in existence.
Jan 23, 2012 12:55:16 #
The best photos of me are by others, especially people I like. They are probably better photographers. But liking them helps to get good facial expressions. Get someone else to take your "self portraits".
Jan 23, 2012 13:14:46 #
Jan 23, 2012 13:28:16 #
I have been pulling together family pictures and most of my family are just people and not beauty kings and queens. The real value is to have a record of your family and yourself included for others to see. I am amazed at pictures documenting 1920 & 30 because they capture life as it really was. This time period has past and will never return again...except thru pictures. Do not worry about how you look because people will know who you are and it necessary to document that....keep clicking.
Jan 23, 2012 13:51:57 #
I have someone use my camera to take my picture and set it on manual focus just because I look better blurred!
Jan 23, 2012 14:58:19 #
I know the feeling............ I am the designated photo taker for EVERYTHING .......... therefore I have tons of pics of everyone doing great things........... family events....... parties....... car shows........ etc..... But I don't make it into the photo's either.
I did like the advice you got about having friends and or family take pictures of me interacting with family and friends..... I do want someone to remember me too............ Thanks for bringing up the subject.
I did like the advice you got about having friends and or family take pictures of me interacting with family and friends..... I do want someone to remember me too............ Thanks for bringing up the subject.
Jan 23, 2012 15:07:40 #
jomamma1 wrote:
Hi all. I'm a newbie here. I shoot with an older S... (show quote)
I always have my picture taken with my dog. Then after I'm gone folks will wonder is that Greg on the right?
Bambie / Greg or Greg /Bambie
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