How to take pictures of yourself alone (11 proven ways to get that killer shot)

Have you ever walked past the mirror and thought danggggggg, you’re looking fioneee today!… so you proceeded to take a few million photos of yourself, but none of them looked that great? Not even one selfie slightly reflected that gorgeous-ness reflecting back at you in the mirror. Tragic. Today, as your digital bestie, I’m sharing how to take pictures of yourself alone so you can have that bangin’ selfie…
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How to take better photos of yourself
1. ALWAYS Shoot from Above
Shooting from above will provide a more flattering angle by emphasizing your eyes and make your face and neck appear slimmer. Photos tend to look better when taken slightly above (instead of the dreaded chin first image)
2. Use Even Lighting
Natural sunlight is the most complimentary light (plus it’s free!). If you’re shooting inside, try to shoot near a window. If you’re shooting outside, try a day when there’s an overcast or shoot early mornings/evenings.
While natural sunlight is complimentary… direct sunlight, particularly in the middle of the day when the sun is straight overhead, is usually not flattering because it’s too harsh and will produce dark uneven shadows across your face.
You want the light to be even so you don’t have any shadows on your face and neck which are distracting.
3. Use negative space
No one likes a photo that cuts off at an awkward spot. Try to have space above your head so you don’t cut the top of your head off (unless you’re aiming for that kinda photo).
I aim to have empty space at the top and empty space on the sides when shooting myself full body, so I don’t have weird cut-offs in the photo.
4. Shoot in continuous mode
I find taking a bunch of photos at 3-10 second intervals is easier when you’re taking photos of yourself. It allows you to take multiple images in one sitting without having to constantly get up and touch your phone/camera each time you pose differently.
Here’s an example of when I took continuous photos of myself for a sponsored post!.
5. Think about your positioning
When shooting yourself, try not to position yourself directly in the middle of the shot. The best photos tend to follow the rule of thirds. This improves the composition and balance of your images by ensuring the most important things are placed in a way that is more pleasing to the eye.
As you can see my face is slightly more to the left instead of directly in the middle of the photo which makes this visually more appealing.
6. Consider getting a tripod or selfie stick
Having a tripod to set your camera up will give you better results if you’re setting your camera up to take multiple photos over a period of time (continuous mode). Having a tripod has been an absolute game-changer for me and will help you take better photos of yourself.
7. Invest in a remote
A remote will allow you to take multiple shots at different poses without having to physically get up to take the picture each time. This will definitely help you take better photos of yourself because you take 10 photos in a matter of a minute and virtually stay in the same spot.
I love remotes because they allow me to continuously takes photos and easily (and quickly) hide the remote under my leg for the photo.
8. Get a ring light
A ring light produces perfectly balanced lighting that is evenly distributed. It’s very complimentary and helps improve the image. If you’re recording videos or looking for high-quality photos that look professionally, I definitely recommend getting a ring ling!
What’s even better is they now have ring lights for your phone, your digital camera and stand-alone (which is what I use).
9. Invest in editing software
Sometimes the lighting is off or you need to crop something out of the photo. This is where a photo editor comes in! I like Adobe lightroom because it allows me to lighten up dark photos and even remove a pimple!
10. Work them angles’ and pose
My best advice to find YOUR angle is to take a bunch of photos and study which angles and poses look best for you.
If you’re taking a full-body photo standing up, lift your arm to look slimmer.
Turn your shoulders so you don’t look lifeless.
Put your hand on your hip (my go-to).
Practice in the mirror trying different poses to see what works for you. Take those million selfies and figure out which angles are the most flattering for you.
11. Check the background
You don’t want to take photos where the background will distract you. Always do a quick scan behind you and ensure there’s nothing that will draw attention away from you. This includes a messy background with things all over the floor or distracting objects.
Benefits of a selfie
Unsure if you should take photos of yourself? Feeling icky taking pics of you? Let’s break it down!
Wait. What’s a selfie?
Selfies have become a popular way to communicate, especially among young people. But what is a selfie? A selfie is simply a photo taken of oneself, typically with a smartphone or camera.
They are often shared on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.
Despite the negative connotations that some people associate with selfies, there are actually many reasons why taking selfies can be beneficial.
Benefits of a selfie
For one, taking selfies can help boost your self-confidence. Seeing yourself in a positive light and looking good in photos can help improve your self-esteem.
In addition, taking selfies can help you document your life and experiences. Selfies can capture special moments that you can look back on and cherish in the future. They can also be a fun way to document your travels and adventures.
So next time you’re feeling down about yourself, try taking a selfie. It just might make you feel better!
Frequently asked questions: How to take pictures of yourself alone
How do you take a picture of yourself without holding the camera?
There are a few different ways that you can take a picture of yourself without holding the camera. One way is to use a tripod.
You can set up the tripod and then position yourself in front of it. Another way is to use a self-timer. You can set the timer and then get into position.
Once the timer goes off, the camera will take the picture. You can also use a remote control to take the picture. This way, you don’t have to be in front of the camera to take the picture. You can just press the button on the remote and the camera will take the picture.
Finally, you can ask someone else to take the picture for you. Just have them stand in front of you and press the shutter button. Whichever way you choose, make sure that you are in focus and that the camera is stable so that you don’t end up with a blurry picture.
How do I take a picture of myself alone in public?
There are a few things to consider when taking a picture of yourself in public. First, think about why you want to take the picture. Are you trying to capture a moment or make a statement?
If you’re just trying to capture a moment, then find a spot where you won’t be in the way of others and set up your camera. If you’re looking to make a statement, then choose a spot that will be visible to others.
Next, consider what you’re wearing. If you’re trying to take a candid photo, then dress in clothes that won’t stand out too much. However, if you want your outfit to be part of the photo, then choose something that will make you look good.
Finally, think about the background of your photo. If you’re in a crowded area, then try to find a spot where there isn’t too much going on behind you. Alternatively, if you’re in a more secluded area, then you can use the background to your advantage and make it part of the photo.
When you’re ready to take the picture, make sure that your camera is in focus and that you’re not blocking the view of others. Then, snap the picture and enjoy your new selfie!
How should I pose for a photo alone?
There’s no one answer to this question – it all depends on what kind of photo you’re trying to take! If you want a selfie, for example, you’ll probably want to angle the camera slightly upwards to capture your best features.
If you’re taking a more formal photo, however, you may want to stand up straight and look directly into the camera. No matter what kind of photo you’re taking, though, it’s always important to relax and be yourself – after all, that’s what people will remember most about you!
How to take pictures of yourself alone without a tripod
If you don’t have a tripod, don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to take pictures of yourself without one.
One way is to set the timer on your camera and place it on a stable surface before running into frame. I’ve been known to use a heavy bottle to help my phone stand up.
If you want to get more creative, there are a number of selfie sticks on the market that can help you take great pictures of yourself without having to ask for help. Simply extend the stick and position your camera where you want it before pressing the shutter button.
Whatever method you choose, make sure you practice a few times before taking your final photo. That way, you’ll be sure to get the perfect shot!
Here are my tips when it comes to how to take better photos of yourself. This especially comes in handy if you are an influencer!
Do you have any tips when it comes to taking great photos of yourself? If so, share below! I love to know!