How to take a Self Portrait

We've had an impromtu theme pop up this past week on the Silly Girls United facebook page that involve Sugar Skull-esque makeup and costume and self portraits and it's been so fun to see everyone join in. Hopefully there are more who will.

Here are some tips on how to take a self portrait:
1. Relax. I sometimes feel self concious of myself when I'm taking a self portrait but really, there's no-one else there and no-one has to see the pictures you take that don't go as planned. Loosen up. You can be a huge dork and no-one will know!

2. Natural light is your friend. Stand by a window with the blinds up. Play with the light.

3. Hold the camera out at arms length and press the button. This way you can play with angles and positioning. This is best for shoulders and up shots. I like to hold the camera up over my head and pointed down. When I take shoulders and up pictures I'm often wearing pj's on the bottom ;) Don't be scared to look at the camera, use your reflection in the lens as a mirror even. AND don't be scared to get close.

4. Prop the camera on something and set the timer if you're wearing a wicked outfit. I have a remote clicker I use with my camera.

5. The wonderful thing about digital is that you can look at the pictures once you've taken them. Do that and laugh. Just have fun. Create a character for yourself and act it out whilst snapping pictures. Look at the other pictures posted for tips on posing and framing.

6. Look around you for props. In my pictures I used a sheet of gift wrap and stuck it with magnets to the window frame. You have loads of things in your house you can use. Work with what you have. Wear things ways they aren't meant to be worn. Sometimes I wear tops backwards - nobody sees the back in the pictures. Megan once wrapped blankets around us and pinned them with clothes pegs to make prairie skirts. It felt weird but it looked perfect, you couldn't see the pegs and pins.

7. Editing, I've said it once and I'll say it again. You don't need expensive editing software or a degree in order to process pictures. Use free ones like picnik to make some amazing pictures.

I am really proud of everyone who takes part in these. They often start off feeling uncomfortable but it always ends up so much fun and it gets easier with practise. The creativity, attitudes and friendships are wonderful to witness.The key is to feel comfortable with yourself and to just have fun.

Here's some make-up tips from Stephanie.
Some photography tips from Alecia.
And a pep talk from Chiemi.