Making self-portraits is a wonderful activity for everyone. It is liberating, some special time just for you, and it is a wonderful way to be creative. As a business owner, it is especially useful to take great self-portraits for your social media, and for moms, it is also a great way to get into the pictures with your children. It might feel a bit daunting to take self-portraits, so here are some tips to help you take those first steps towards taking great selfies.
Why Bother With a Self-Portrait?
If you scrolled through your camera roll right now, how many photos would actually have you in them?
For most parents, the answer is: not many. You’re the one holding the phone — capturing your children, your partner, the dog, the view — and quietly disappearing from your own family’s story.
A self-portrait is a small, simple way to change that. It doesn’t need to be perfect, polished, or even particularly flattering. It just needs to exist — because one day, the people who love you will want to see you. Not a tidied-up version. You, as you actually were, in this exact chapter of your life.
If you run a business, there’s another reason self-portraits matter — and it’s just as personal. People don’t buy from logos or templates. They buy from people. Showing your face builds trust, and trust is what turns a follower into a client. A self-portrait, even an imperfect one taken on your phone, says: this is a real person, doing real work, and you can get to know them a little. That’s worth more than another stock photo or product shot ever will be.
Step 1: Finding inspiration for your self-portrait
Look for some inspiration on Pinterest, or perhaps you’ve seen a photo you like on Instagram. You can use them as examples for your own portraits.
Step 2: Getting in the mood to take your self-portrait
Make yourself feel good. It can help you feel more comfortable by wearing clothes you love or clothes that fit the mood you want to portray in your self-portrait. If you want, you can put on some makeup. And to help you relax and feel looser and more joyful, you can put on some music. Make this a special time for you.
Ready to celebrate your family exactly as you are?
Step 3: Find the right spot to take your photograph
Perhaps when starting out, you can take self-portraits in the privacy of your home, perhaps with time, you will even take some portraits in public (I still have to take that bold step, one day!). When choosing a place to photograph, pay attention to any potential distracting elements in your shot, such as ugly wires. And pay attention to the colours, all the elements and things in your frame.
When choosing the place to take your self-portrait, it is important to pay attention to the light conditions. Choose somewhere not too far from the window. It is often quite nice to have your face towards the window so that you are well and evenly lit. For a more dramatic light, you can have the window light fall sideways on your face, making the other half of your face fall more into the shadows. Depending on the look of your photo, you can also play with light and shadows.
Step 4: Use accessories within your portraits
To help you tell a story, you can use accessories like flowers, a cup of tea, a computer, a book, a notebook, food, etc. Choose accessories that fit your story. Sometimes it can help you feel more comfortable (perhaps when taking a self-portrait for the first time) to hold an accessory, such as a cup of tea or a book, in your hand.
Step 5: How to set up your camera
Use the self-timer setting on your phone or camera, and use a tripod to put it at the angle and height you want. If you don’t have a tripod (or a GorillaPod), you can also use a stack of books or other objects to prop up the camera.
To get sharp images, set your focus to the place where you want to sit, stand, or lie down. You can also use an object to stand in the spot, and this can help you set your focus on it.
I hope these tips will help you get into the frame and create some great self-portraits. Most importantly, have fun, see this as a special and creative time for yourself!
If you enjoyed this article, you might also like my tips on taking better pictures with your mobile phone.
What to Do With Your Self-Portraits Afterwards
Don’t let them disappear into your camera roll. Print one. Put it in a frame. Add it to your family album, even if it sits slightly awkwardly next to the “proper” photos — because one day it won’t feel awkward at all. It’ll feel like exactly what it is: proof that you were there.
If you’re a business owner, don’t let them disappear either. Use them. Put one on your socials. The slightly imperfect self-portrait you took on a Tuesday afternoon might end up doing more for your business than a polished headshot ever did — because it’s real, and people respond to this, wanting to get to know YOU.
If you’re looking for ideas on what to do with all your photographs — self-portraits included — this post will be helpful.
