Equipment To Get You Self-Portrait-Started
If you follow me on instagram of facebook, it’s probably no surprise that self portraits have taken over my feed in quite a significant way. What began as a project to keep me busy during the pandemic has now flourished into its own art form of self love, exploration, creativity, movement, and freedom. I have been blessed with a few opportunities coming up to introduce you to the power of self portraits as a method of self exploration, but in the meantime I figured I would just get you started with the basic equipment and tools.
Picture/Video Taking Device
Why I am not explicitly saying a DSLR is because any tool is a good tool. As long as the image can capture frames, still or moving, it is a valid device for self portraits. Part of self portraits is being creative and curious - so try out different “cameras” to see what you can create!
Self Timer
Remember the good ol’ days of Dad trying to line up the family, the sound of the beep counting down as the red light flashed and him trying to run to get in the picture? Well, you can thank the self timer for those memories. The self timer works in a pinch and is the most accessible option, however it comes with its own cons - such as having to put something in the place where you want to pose for you to get the focus. I usually shoot with a little higher aperture just in case I miss. Once I have my focus set, I also shift my lens to MANUAL focus to avoid it focusing on anything else between when I start the timer and when I run into the frame. I also will use the self timer WITH the remote app to give me extra time to get into a post/position/movement.
Remote/Remote App
Should you go the route of a DSLR, SLR, or various other full body camera having a remote or a remote app will help make the process smoother. A remote allows you to focus once you are in the location for your self portrait instead of relying on luck! Newer cameras tend to offer an app with theirs that works as a remote through wifi between your phone and the camera - so check out your make and model! If you camera does not have a built in remote option, you can purchase a remote and trigger system from any camera store - just make sure it’s the right one for your camera!
Intervalometer
An intervalometer is similar to a remote (and can come as part of one!) which allows you to set your camera to take a certain amount of frames every X number of seconds. I love using this if I just want to dance and I try to time my main poses/movements ever 5 seconds. This saves you have to run back and forth from the camera with every image. Instead, you can bang out 40+ images if you want (just hope they are in focus!) before checking the screen! Personally, when using the intervalometer, I like to use the same focus method I use with the self timer. My camera, the Canon 5DMKIV has a built in intervalometer so I like to switch from using the remote app to the intervalometer depending on what I am desiring to shoot! Check your camera manual as yours may also have it built in and if not, you can grab one at any camera store!
Tripod
While I have been known to prop my camera up on the hood of my car, in between some rocks and on a pile of books, having a tripod makes the whole thing easier! As far as to what is a good tripod, I’m afraid I don’t have much advice because I’ve been using the same Manfrotto tripod that was gifted to me by a landlord because someone had left it behind in 2009. I would recommend one that can extend quite high and is sturdy to withstand pressure. I found that my tripod has begun to weaken since upping my self portraits because when I am adjusting camera settings, I tend to push down on the tripod a little bit. Whatever you choose to use, as long as it holds up your camera it’s good to go!
0 Expectations
This is kind of tongue and cheek, but I truly recommend going into every self portrait session with 0 expectations of the outcome. With our normal work, we have high expectations and so self portraits can become a way for you to let go of that and remember what it was like to just create, try, play, and explore different things. So, before you begin, think about your intention and release your expectation of the outcome and I bet you will be pleasantly surprised with the journey you go on!
