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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Self Portraits pretentious? (alien.top)

submitted 10 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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[–] themanlnthesuit@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago

I mean, I’ve seen like a thousand over edited self portraits of a girl lit by a single a candle crying a tear of blood into a mirror.

But as long as you don’t try that one, I’d say you’re good.

[–] 2deep4u@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago

I feel this way when I do it lol

[–] snow-and-pine@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago

Who cares? Do what makes you happy. So many post pointless selfies of themselves that are not creative or interesting at all. Creative self portraits are a breath of fresh air.

[–] isekaicoffee@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago

well you dont get good by not taking pictures. self portraits are a great way to learn and hone your craft.

think of your self portraits as playing a character and not yourself. explore different emotions, state of mind, etc.

[–] PmadFlyer@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago

I don't know how old the kids are but you can get durable (impact and waterproof) point and shoot cameras and have a little competition to keep them involved. I discovered my love of photography at about 10 with the family camera. Worst case scenario they don't like it. Best case you form life long memories.

[–] VividAcanthaceae6681@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago

Honestly it became sort of a hobby of mine to just experiment with angles and lighting and facial features sometimes paying attention to ways that I might be able to guide someone to make certain gestures or create similar poses and such.

I should start doing it again I did feel better about myself and it was like playing adult dress up. It would be cool now too get kiddo involved in something like that since she's into makeup and stuff and her nephew which is a year older than her seems like he likes to dress up and stuff too. I'm just actually kind of makes me have a little more motivation towards that goal again.

Also it may be pretentious or whatever the hell you may call it but I like the way I look in some of the pictures, I'm fascinated about the different ways I can look. Typically I don't wear makeup except a little eyeliner and plain burt bees lip balm cuz it makes me feel odd So it's sort of an outlet for doing makeup and stuff which is actually kind of fun sometimes.

[–] LicarioSpin@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago

Photographer Cindy Sherman did lots of self portraits, experimenting with identity.

https://www.moma.org/artists/5392

[–] ErrantWhimsy@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago

I have a friend who is a famous fine art photographer with millions of followers. Like 95% of her photos are of herself! She'll just go out in the woods or in her garage studio and take the picture she wants then she does amazing photoshop work.

[–] Livid-Storm6532@alien.top 1 points 10 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.