Photography

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A place to politely discuss the tools, technique and culture of photography.

This is not a good place to simply share cool photos/videos or promote your own work and projects, but rather a place to discuss photography as an art and post things that would be of interest to other photographers.

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communick@viewfinder.pro

Self Portraits pretentious? (alien.top)

submitted 11 months ago by LedameSassenach@alien.top to c/photography@viewfinder.pro

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So I typically do a lot of street photography but with little kids at home it’s a rare occasion that I can get out to shoot especially child free. I’ve taken them many times but it becomes an impossible situation where I’m trying to keep them entertained while also shooting.

So I thought maybe trying some self portraits. There are very few photos of me in existence that aren’t basic selfies and I’ve been interested in conceptual photography. Figured it would be a neat way to broaden my horizons from home.

Anyway I did a set, I of course look horribly depressed in them…I may have a case of resting bitch face but also I was still juggling the children while trying to make something so that may be why I looked miserable. When editing what I did manage to shoot I felt very self conscious about myself and the thought that I’m and “important” enough subject to take photos of made me very uncomfortable.

I don’t have lots of access to models, my children are too young to sit still for photos, and I can rarely leave the house without them in toe.

Anyway, are there any suggestions about how can I get past that hurdle so I can make interesting photos?

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[–] Livid-Storm6532@alien.top 1 points 11 months ago

I do a ton of self portraits, mainly because I like to experiment with different techniques and lighting styles and it takes a lot of work to coordinate with different subjects. It can be a great way to explore identity as well.

Try distancing yourself during the shoot and editing process by referring to the images in camera as "the subject" and focus on what you're trying to convey through your subject (in this case, you). I find that when I don't have a cohesive story I'm trying to convey, I get significantly more self-conscious about myself and my body. But when I have a vision of what I'm trying to achieve, it becomes easier to focus on that to get to an artistic goal.