Portrait photography selfie guide

Lead: I shoot too many beautiful models. Why don't I pat myself for a change? Of course, you will be a perfect model. You don't need to explain the shooting style to yourself, and you don't need to know what the model is thinking (because the photographer and the model are both yourself).

But if you want to take good photos, you still have to learn something. Self-portrait is to please yourself! Here are five basic steps you must learn to take selfies:

First, before taking pictures

1. 1 inspiration

Be inspired before shooting. It can be found on the internet, magazines, album covers, etc. Remember, although it's a selfie, this photo is not just for yourself, so if you want to take a good photo, you should spend more time in this step and be prepared.

1.2 position

Choose a place with feeling, whether it's the city wind, quiet feeling or interesting place, it's important to match what you want to shoot. There are many places to choose from in the city, and different lights and colors can enhance the overall sense of photos.

1.3 Emotion

Similarly, the artistic conception of a photo depends not only on you, but also on the surrounding environment and light. For example, dark photos will show a mysterious atmosphere. Personally, I like silhouette very much, and use shadows and light properly to form photos. Prime-time shooting is usually suitable for showing warmth and happiness. If you can't use artificial light to create the desired effect, natural light is very good at this time.

Second, the equipment

First of all, you'd better have the following:

2. 1 tripod

A tripod, bean bag, or at least a flat camera is the minimum. When placing the camera, make sure that you can capture all the pictures you design.

2.2 cable release

Using the cable can give you enough time to prepare the camera, or you can focus it after it is in place (if you focus first and then arrive at the station, you often can't find the exact focus). If there is no cable release, you can also use the camera's self-timer function. The problem here is focusing, and the basic solution is to use a small aperture below f/ 16 to get enough depth of field to ensure clear photos.

2.3 flash

Whether to use flash is a personal choice, but it is also a basic tool in dark environment (unless you are a sculpture, you can stay absolutely still for a long time). The flashing lights on the top of the plane will cast a heavy shadow behind you. If you have an external flash, you can use skills such as jumping lights (you need to learn to master them). I usually use 3/4 or 1/2 output and use soft mask.

Third, create an atmosphere.

3. 1 viewing angle/composition

Most portrait photos taken horizontally in front of the camera are mediocre. Try another angle. Shooting from the ground or above the model is more original. Depth of field can be used to create various effects.

3.2 background

Background is a very important element in a photo and should be seriously considered. Too many colors and textures in the background may distract the audience, but too few may make the photos boring (unless you pursue a sense of minimalism). It is a good skill to use Hou Lian synchronous flash, which can not only ensure the clarity of the model (you), but also blur the background with a long shutter.

3.3 Picture/Depth of Field

It is also important to confirm the picture before shooting. Make sure all the elements that attract you are included in the picture, and avoid those things you don't want to see (road signs, pedestrians, etc.). ). The influence of depth of field should also be considered. The lighting in the background can be used to produce beautiful shooting effects, which is also a good way to enhance the photo effect.

Fourth, the model (you)

4. 1 emotion/eye contact

It's just that the picture sitting in front of the camera is not good at all. Try to express some feelings, whether it is pleasure, surprise, sadness or mystery. Be sure to make a good expression before shooting.

4.2 clothing

Clothing should match your feelings, brightly colored clothes are suitable for expressing happiness, dark clothes are suitable for urban style and so on. The color of clothes will also affect the emotions felt by the audience, so we should take it seriously.

4.3 posture

Whether to shoot directly in front of the camera depends entirely on yourself and whether you want real photos or not.

Verb (abbreviation of verb) post-processing:

5. 1 effect

There are countless Photoshop plug-ins that can be used to process photos, and some of them are specially designed for portrait photos. Most of them are free. You can try more.

5.2 like/dislike

When browsing photos, think about why you like a photo or why you don't, so that you can quickly grasp what to do and what not to do.

5.3 cutting

Pruning is a very useful tool. You can trim the useless elements on the screen to create a better composition.

5.4 Black and white or color

Even if you take full-color photos, you can try black and white.