How do I shoot a self-portrait (head shot) of myself? I have a digital camera with a timer.?

Question

The issue is how to I pose the camera so that when it snaps the picture it is properly focused on where I will be seated. Their is nobody that can stand in for me since I will be shooting this sporadically. I need a head shot for my website.

Thanks

Answer 1

Please dont shoot yourself...you did nothing wrong

Answer 2

1) Compose the image

2) Preferably, use a chair and place an object (like stacked      boxes) to where your face will be

3) Focus on the item

4) Run the timer and get in place

Answer 3

Uh, you have autofocus? If you have a decent camera, you won't have to worry about being in focus.

Answer 4

Set up some type of background- a simple one is take a sheet or bedspread and tack it to the wall.  Set a backless chair or stool like a bar stool and set it 3-4 feet away from the wall.  Set your camera on tripod 3-4 feet from the stool.  Focus on the spot where your eyes will be.  Turn the camera so it is vertical- this is better for portraits.  Make sure you use a wide aperture or set the camera on portrait mode.  Take several poses - full face, 3/4 face, profile, and Rembrandt lighting.

Answer 5

Not sure about your camera, but some have a setting for "auto focus on remote" or "auto focus on timer" to do the focusing right before the picture is taken.  Default is quite often "off" so it'll focus when you press the button (before you're there) rather than when you are there.

Alternatively, focus on the back of the chair, press the button, pan up to where you'll be...then run to get into position.

Another item: I sit down and put a piece of blue painter's tape on the wall behind where my head is gonna be so I know where to position the focal point.

Answer 6

Using a tripod set up your camera to take the picture in front of a chair or bench where you are going to sit. Set the camera for time delay.  Press the button to take the picture and promptly sit down without moving the camera. Try different poses and redo until you are satisfied with the results.

Say cheese or whiskey. 8>)

Jeff (weseye) Wesley

Answer 7

set up a tipod and begin posing, you will want to take several shots.

i shoot in program mode with external lights and don't use the flash at all. i find the lighting is a bit softer and easier on my eyes.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/giltwerks/2...

exif data on the side and:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/giltwerks/2...