Self-Portraiture

Until very recently, all of my self-portraits were taken by hand, in a mirror. I still like that style - it's become almost a trademark of mine, those photos with camera in hand. But in the photo featured on Monday, I used my tripod and the self-timer. I certainly liked the pics that came out of it, even if you can't see the camera. I mean, hey, you can still see that hat after all!


But of course, there's a downside to doing shots with the self-timer. When I shoot pictures directly, they're taken instantly, but with the self-timer I have ten seconds to get myself settled and wait, holding a pose, holding a face for the shot. And during that time, any number of things could happen: a lightbulb could blow out, something could startle me from my pose, or...

a cat could get all up in my face. Apparently, Tenny wants to be a star - or, at least, he wants his tail to be a star.

So yeah, self-portraits aren't as straightforward as one might think (especially with cats around). But when you're lucky, you get some nice shots to show for the effort.

Comments

Tandava said…
That tail one is hilarious. And what's the background in the last shot? It looks kind of like a painting that you just popped out of. Nice effect.
Lara said…
smudge effect, as in monday's shot, but more intense this time. :) i like it!
Hanlie said…
So for the self portraits in the mirror, you obviously don't use a flash. Do you use a mirror that you can turn to a blank wall, so that you don't have such a busy background?
Lara said…
hanlie - i didn't use a flash in these either. generally, i think people look better without a flash anyway - less washed out, you know?

i have two mirrors that i can move anywhere in the apartment, depending on what i want for a background. i've even taken one of them outside for some shots with my mom. i like the freedom of having mirrors that are big enough for pictures, but small enough that i can move them around. :)
Anonymous said…
Before reading the words my first thought was that you used a boa. It seemed quite normal to me.
Maggie said…
Beautiful self portraits. Someday I will be brave enough to do that. Someday FAR in the future. I like them all, but I think the last one is my favorite - it's beautiful!

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