Behind the Scenes with a Self Portrait Photographer + Video

I take self portraits and submit them to an agency for book covers. This is a behind the scenes look at what a self portrait photography session looks like . The theme for today was windy blowing hair. To achieve this look I used a combination of tossing my hair around and using a blow dryer set to the coolest setting so that I didn't start getting sweaty in the images.

One of the key elements to a successful self portrait session is to take a lot of images. And I mean A LOT. I took around 300 portrait images and 100 full body shots for composite work . Of the 300 closer up portraits I selected 25 for editing. When you do self portraits, especially when you are doing a theme that is unpredictable such has moving hair, you are going to end up with mostly garbage images. Often the focus will be off, the pose will be awkward, and your facial expression could be plain horrible. So please if you are sensitive about your appearance, maybe don't try this. Jumping around can create amazing images or it can make your face look horrible so be warned.
!

But if you keep going there will be those select few that are worth it. Here are a couple of my unedited favs from this shoot.

!

Self portrait photography is easier with a tripod and a remote. The camera I use has the ability to trigger a burst of 10 images which makes something like tossing your hair around easier to catch a good shot. But your gear doesn't have to be super fancy as long as it can get the job done.

My finished images usually rely heavily on Photoshop to take out distracting elements, for example I will have to edit out the hair dryer in some of these images. You don't have any control over what is happening exactly when the shudder goes off. Photoshop is really key to polishing up self portraits.

Also be prepared for a lot of fiddling. Changing the camera settings, angle, lighting, pose, and wardrobe. Keep tweaking what you are doing, you will find you get closer and closer to what you like.

Here is a behind the scenes video of this photoshoot session.
Feel free to comment or ask me any questions, and if you liked this post don't forget to upvote!