The Easiest Way to Take Self Portraits

Is it time to refresh your brand photos?

Showing your face online is crucial for building a connection with your audience and potential clients, and fosters a more personal and relatable brand.

Maybe you don't have the budget to hire a photographer for portraits, feel awkward on the other side of the camera, or are overwhelmed by all the timers and apps in order to take self portraits. 

There's an easier way. Here are my exact steps for taking my own self portraits so my photos online are always current.
No budget, no audience, no remote, app, or running back and forth for a self timer. (Click HERE for a reel showing you how)

1. Go in your camera menu to “interval timer” > “enable”. (Unfortunately, not all cameras have this feature - I’m using the 5D Mark IV)

2. Determine the number of images you’d like and how much time between each shot. I set mine for 99 images with 1 second in between. 

3. Set your camera on a tripod and compose your scene. 

4. Set your exposure. To give yourself a larger depth of field, close down your aperture a bit. This will also create more wiggle room for keeping everything in focus.

4. If your camera has focus tracking, don’t worry about setting the focus. If not, place an object around where you’ll be standing and focus on that.

5. Press the shutter, hop in front of the camera, and do your thing until it stops shooting.

Tip: We talk all the time about how important it is to set the mood for our clients. We advise them on outfits, find the perfect playlist, and have poses set in our minds beforehand. Don’t forget to do the same for yourself. Find what outfit and accessories make you feel the most confident, and play some music if that helps. I typically opt for a plain white or neutral backdrop and some relaxed clothes in a neutral palette. It can be super simple, and that always lends to more versatile portraits.

I can’t wait for you to try this simple hack and discover how easy it can be to create your own self portraits!

If you’re looking for more photography education, I've poured all I've learned from a bachelor's degree in photography and 15 years in the industry into Rise Photo Academy, an all-in-one platform full of courses, resources, and community. Whether you are a hobby photographer ready to dive into starting your own business, or a professional wanting to improve and scale, there’s something for everyone in Rise.