At the start of COVID-19 in the United States, it was especially difficult to create my usual content. Besides at-home video tutorials and selfies, I had to rely on recycling old content since I was not going to be outside with my photographer (aka my little brother.) Though I’ve been able to get back into the swing of things now that lockdown is letting up (for now at least), I still have less access to photoshoots since I’m still not taking the subway to get to different shoot locations like I used to. That’s meant I’ve had to explore taking my own photos. I’ve finally gotten the hang of it and I’m sharing a guide to taking photos of yourself for Instagram. If you’ve been relying less on photographers or fancy photoshoot locations lately, or want to get into the habit of taking your own photos, you’re in the right place.
The Setting
Low Traffic
It’ll be helpful to pick a low traffic location for three reasons. First, and most importantly, there is still a great need to social distance. You want to make sure that you are not putting yourself or others at risk by being in unnecessarily crowded spaces for…a picture. Second, you probably don’t want people in the background of your photos. Finally, expect that people might stare. There’s a chance this will make you uncomfortable (more on this later in the post.) But the more people around, the more people staring. The more people staring, the more awkward you might feel, and that can show in photos. Choose a low traffic location so you can be comfortable and do what you have to do.
Lighting
Choose a location with good natural lighting. Now, lighting depends not only on location, but also the weather and the time of day you shoot. I talked briefly about this in a previous YouTube video on how I take my makeup selfies. I also suggest scouting the location and knowing where the sun hits at different times of the day. It’s most advisable to shoot during golden hours, which is shortly after sunrise in the morning, and in the evening before sunset, from about 5pm-7pm during the summer. I suggest taking walks around your neighborhood and taking note of when the sun hits where. It would be a shame if you have an idea of where you want to shoot in your head only to realize at the time you shoot, that the sun is in the opposite direction you need it to be in. For context, the sun should always be behind your camera for optimal lighting, and never behind you.
Finally, for the most consistent lighting, it’s best to choose completely sunny days as opposed to cloudy or partly cloudy, unless that’s the aesthetic you want. I find that when I shoot on partly cloudy days, it’s a scramble for consistent lighting. I find myself waiting for the clouds to move and the sun to show up again, which can be time consuming.
The Equipment
A Tripod
A sturdy one at that. I have a very inexpensive tripod from target, but the most it was be able to hold up was my phone. Even then, I wasn’t convinced that a strong wind wouldn’t be able to knock it over. I recently upgraded my tripod to this one, and it’s done a very solid job of holding up both my phone and DSLR camera. The ball head is crucial for getting pictures in both landscape and portrait layouts.
A camera
This can be whatever you have access to: a phone or your DSLR/mirrorless camera. When I take pictures of myself, I normally shoot with both, and like how both types of photos come out. A girl has to have options right? If you’re using your phone, you’ll need one of those phone tripod adapters. Otherwise your blogging or content camera should have space for the screw that comes with a tripod. If you’re using your phone, be sure to clean your camera before shooting. On iPhones, the selfie camera tends to be lower quality than the normal camera, however you might prefer the selfie side so that you can see yourself. When I use my phone, I opt for using the selfie camera and it turns out just fine! For reference, I have an iPhone X and a Canon EOS 80D. I speak more about my equipment and how I edit here.
Bluetooth remote/Camera app
If you’re using your phone, I highly suggest having a bluetooth remote. Yes, you could also use a timer, but that will take significantly longer to get the photos. The only downside with using a clicker is figuring out how to conceal the remote in your photos. Get comfortable with posing with something in your hand, or have something else in your hand to hide it. I use the bluetooth remote that came with my ring light.
If shooting with a professional camera, especially one with wifi capabilities, make sure you’ve downloaded the app that allows you to use “remote live view shooting.” For me, that’s the Canon Camera Connect App. This is absolutely crucial because it’ll allow you to set yourself in focus. Because my phone becomes the remote in this instance, it is much more difficult to hide. In this instance I’ll use a 10 second timer and in those seconds hide my phone (either put it in my pocket, on the floor, or in a bag I’m posing with.) This definitely takes more time, but allows for me to post photos consistent with the style of other photos on my feed, since I don’t normally shoot with my phone.
The Mindset
Be vigilant
Chances are, if you’re taking your own photos, you are doing it alone. That means lugging out all this equipment, perhaps some accessories and a change of shoes, by yourself. Be mindful of your surroundings, especially if you have to set some things aside while you secure your content. Always be sure to shoot in locations where you feel generally safe, but always keep a close eye on your belongings. When I take my own pictures, it’s always within a 3-4 block radius from my apartment.
Eyes on the Prize
People are going to stare. They may even stop and ask you questions. First and foremost, do not talk to anyone that makes you uncomfortable. See, my last point regarding safety and vigilance. However, if what you’re getting is getting nothing more than weird looks or stares, keep your eyes on the prize: good content. This applies regardless of whether you’re shooting by yourself or have someone else taking your pictures. When your followers see the picture, they don’t see what went into taking it. They just see the final result and show love for that. So consider the process a moment of discomfort for a “lifetime” of satisfaction (lifetime is dramatic and not true but you get the point.)
Thanks for making it this far. I hope this was helpful, and as always feel free to ask more questions in the comments or on my Instagram!
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
