How To Take a Self Portrait with an SLR

Taking a self portrait with a digital SLR camera is normally much easier than with a compact point and shoot. That's because they offer some very useful features which make taking photos of yourself much easier. In order to take good self portraits, you will need to use a tripod to set the camera at the correct height. This will also keep the camera steady and avoid the chance of blurring.

It will still be necessary to practice using your SLR camera to capture the very best self portrait photograph, but once you get used to it, you shouldn't have a problem.

Step 1: Setting up the Camera

First, you need to prepare your digital SLR camera so that it's ready to take a photograph. Most SLR cameras have a special Portrait mode which will make changes to the settings, which make it easier to capture great self portraits. You should mount the camera on a tripod and position it in front of a light colored wall or other background.

Adjust the height of the tripod so that the camera is at your eye level. This will ensure that all of the photographs you take will be the right level. The camera should be around 1 or 2 feet away from where you will stand. Adjust the focus ring on the lens so that you will be in focus, and alternatively set your camera into auto focus mode.

Step 2: Timer or Remote Control

With a compact camera, you will only be able to use the timer. However, when it comes to SLR cameras, you also have another option. Many of these cameras support remote control shutters, which can be used to take a photo without pressing the shutter button.

Some cameras use mechanical remote controls while others use electronic infrared remotes. Decide which option you want to use. If using a timer, then you will need to press the shutter carefully to avoid moving the camera and also rush in front of the camera. A remote control will make it possible to stand still and then press the remote comfortably.

Step 3: Taking Photos

Either using the remote or timer, you should start by taking self portrait photos. You need to take as many photos as you can. Ideally, you should take 10 or more photographs so that there are plenty of different photos for you to choose from.

Step 4: Comparing Photos

Take a look at all of the photos by loading them onto your computer. Hopefully there should be some useful photographs that you are interested in using. If not, then you will need to take some more photos until you have plenty of useful ones.

Step 5: Editing Photos

You can now edit the photographs and crop them to remove anything that you don't want in your self portrait. Once you have finished doing this, you can then upload the photos to your MySpace or Face book accounts.

Taking self portraits can be difficult. However, once you get used to how to take these, then it should be much easier to take these photos in the future.