Embracing Self-Portraiture: Lessons for Narrative Portrait Photographers

As a narrative portrait photographer, my journey behind the lens has taught me valuable lessons about the art of capturing other people’s stories. Surprisingly, some of the most enlightening experiences have come from stepping in front of the camera and taking self-portraits.

The Importance of Self-Portraiture for Photographers

A Chance to Practice Our Craft

My initial motivation for taking a self-portrait is usually to practice a new technique. When inspiration strikes I need to test my new idea as soon as possible and finding a willing model at 11 PM on a weeknight can be challenging. I use self-portrait sessions to test new lighting techniques, experiment with props, backdrops, visual elements, and poses, and push my creative boundaries. Inevitably, I end up learning other valuable lessons while taking these self-portraits.

Cameras Like Weird Stuff

Cameras have a unique perspective, often favoring poses and expressions that feel strange or over-posed in real life. Twisty body positions, sudden intakes of breath, and pointed toes might seem odd, but the camera loves them. Surprisingly, the final images rarely reflect the perceived extremeness of the initial body positions. Embracing the weird and experimenting with unconventional poses can result in captivating shots that defy expectations.

Navigating the 80%

We all know from taking selfies – not every shot is a winner. Faces are dynamic and what looks great in motion can look less flattering in frozen moments. Not all angles are made equal and learning your camera flattering angles is a learning curve for anyone. Culling the less-than-flattering shots for my clients is an important part of my job. When taking self-portraits, I face the same challenge. This experience helped me learn the angles that work for my clients and move past the shots that don’t work more quickly.

The Intimidation Factor and Building Authenticity

Confronting the Intimidation Factor

Being in front of the camera can be intimidating, a fact easy to forget when you're accustomed to being behind the lens. The vulnerability of the flip side can feel overwhelming. However, with narrative portraits custom-designed to highlight and celebrate individuality, most people find themselves feeling more at ease in front of the camera as the shoot progresses.

Knowing how being in front of a camera feels is a powerful tool when directing clients. It sharpens the ability to guide clients with authenticity, resulting in more meaningful and comfortable photoshoots.

Becoming Both Creator and Critic

Engaging in self-portraiture allows you to become both the creator and the critic. You can identify areas of strength, recognize areas for enhancement, and fine-tune your approach based on firsthand experiences. This iterative process not only sharpens your technical proficiency but also fosters a deeper understanding of the realm of visual storytelling.

Final Thoughts

So, grab your camera, strike a pose, and unveil the unique stories that unfold when you become both the narrator and the subject.