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 p.1 #1 · Self Portraits: Fool Proof Flash Method | |
The Back Story to this Post.
Everyone sooner or later tries to make a self-portrait. 
Sometimes the results are so discouraging, they never try again. I understand.
First, one should understand that a Self-Portrait (SP) is never an easy thing to do, regardless of experience, tools, or how expensive the gear may be. 
For various reasons. Too many to post here.
This post is lots of text, because I want to help you (or as many people as possible) with a technique that may improve some of your SPs. This technique requires some explaining.
This post is about helping you with ONE method that MAY work to improve your results. Be warned, I do not claim that this will make you look great, or that your results will not take some PP, or that this method is truly foolproof.
I wanted to call this the "Foolproof Flash SP Method" but on second thought, I realized that fools can be very good at finding ways to defeat any methods. I have retained the name as the post title simply because I like it and for fun. Post one of your SPs using this method and we will see how accurate the title is (for your SP).
This technique is simply posted here to give people a starting point. It is still going to take some experimentation on your part and some work on your part to make good/great/better images. However, I think if you follow this method, you are much more likely to get better SPs given the scenario described (one camera, on camera flash, SP, inside apartment or home).
This post does not include a photo by me and will not in the future. Sorry I won't include a photographic example using this method, but I have my business reasons. But, if you want to post your own SP that was taken using this method, then feel free to post it in this thread as an example (assuming you closely follow the method). Or, better yet, start your own thread and post your SP in it. Then the focus will be on you.
The following post is about ONE technique that is simple and may help you improve your SPs if you choose to use a flash on camera and want to take some pictures of yourself in your own home or apartment.
Of course if you want an outside SP, or one with lots of people, or one taken at sunset, or any of the countless possibilities, this method will not "work for you." THIS method is for the individual who is sitting at home (or in an apartment) with a new camera, new flash, and no one to photograph.
REASON FOR THIS POST:
I am posting it here because over the last year as a member in this forum, I have seen many Self-Portraits that use on camera flash. Often, the results look very poor. Many look like "webcam" photos or "mugshots" because the subject (photographer) is very close to the camera, looks directly into the lens, scowls or shows some "intense" look, and the light is from a flash pointed either directly at the face of the photographer or possibly straight up. Many times the face is distorted because the face was too close to the lens (proximity distortion). Usually this is when a new photographer has just started to learn the camera or the use of a new flash.
I meant to post this some months ago. Seeing another "SP" post today and yesterday has prompted me to post this to try to help some others.
Here is the "Steady Hands Method for Blank Wall Close Quarters SP:"
NOTE: This method is designed for using an on camera flash (e.g. 430ex) with NO modifiers and involves "flash." I don't often recommend flash, nor do I think flash is the best method for "better self-portraits." However, this post is to help a new photographer who wants to use his/her equipment and has a flash or is wanting to make a SP at night at home.
1. Find a large white wall (inside a small apartment is OK). IF you want a plain background, then use a wide hallway or find a space with opposing plain walls (like a 6 foot wide hall). IF you don't use a white wall, expect there to be WB issues later. IF you want a more directional look to the light/shadows, then find a corner of a room in order to bounce some of the light in the corner to give more light from the side of your face.
2. Put your camera on a tripod or table or plant stand about 1-2 feet from the wall. You could put your camera on a dresser. Or on a bookshelf or similar shelf if necessary. But, make sure it is not flush to the wall. You need a little distance from the wall. Not much, but a little. Try to make it head-height or you will need to sit at its level. Secure it.
3. Put your flash on the camera and rotate the flash so that the flash head (clear window) FACES THE WALL at about 45 degrees (up inclination toward ceiling, assuming the ceiling is within 12 feet). The flash will look like it is turned around backward and facing the opposite direction of the lens. NOTE: Put a cover over the viewfinder (comes with camera) or put a tiny bit of black paper over the viewfinder...after composing your shot. The key point here is that the flash faces the wall. You also face the wall. The wall then becomes a very large "bounced" light source that will bathe you in light. Don't mistakenly put your back to the wall. You must face the wall. Read that again if it is confusing. IF you miss this, you will not get the results you need.
4. Put your camera in either Self-Timer mode or use a remote release. Make sure you are in "autofocus" mode on the lens. Or prefocus to a set spot where your head will be. Use a piece of string to determine where that spot is if you are concerned.
5. Face the wall. Remember, the camera will be close to the wall and you will be facing the wall (try to sit or stand about 5 or so feet from the wall). Allow the composition to include "Space" around your head so you can crop later to compose the final image. AND make sure you are not too close to the camera. Otherwise your face will show feature distortion.
6. Use "matrix" metering (evaluative) to meter the entire scene. Expect the initial exposure to show you how the camera is metering the scene. IF there are bright lights behind you, your face may appear dark. Fix it. Modify. Try again.
7. Use ISO 100 or 200 and try Auto exposure mode at first. After you get the light and distance down, then try other exposure methods and settings. Try f4 and use AV setting. Try it. But first, keep it very simple. Avoid "manual" settings unless you understand them. Avoid "short DOF" shots until you know what you are doing and can accurately position your head in place.
8. Don't face the camera directly (straight on) for all shots. Try a 45 degree angle to the camera.
9. Don't "scowl" in every photo (this appears to be the most common look for Self-portraits and makes them look even more like "mugshots"). Show some emotion, communicate with the camera and hence the viewer later.
10. Shoot. Shoot again. Change your face angle to the camera each time. Then check the results. IF your background is too light and your face too dark, then change the metering method to a "partial" metering and then make sure your face is in line with the center of the lens at the focal point.
What this does: Bounce the light off a large white surface such as the wall (not just the ceiling) and puts you "in the scene."
Try it. Have fun.
My Request for You:
IF you find this post helpful, add a comment below. I took some time to write it with the hope that it will encourage and help others. That is the goal. IF you do find it helpful (whether you use it or not now), it is nice to know the time spent writing this and drawing the illustration was not wasted.
I hope these comments encourage and help you.
http://www.steadmanuhlich.com/illustrations/Foolproof Flash SP Steadman Uhlich.jpg
Edited on Nov 16, 2008 at 10:29 PM · View previous versions
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