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I know the struggle all too well! You have your outfits planned out for your blog or Instagram pictures…but there’s one problem. No one’s able to take your pictures that day. Maybe it’s the only day you have free time to take pictures or you have a collab deadline coming up. Either way, you have to get your pics TODAY and guess what…you may have to take them yourself.
Do you freak out just at the thought of that? What if people stare at you and it’s super awkward? Anything can happen, right? I have taken a lot of my pictures myself and even though I’m not the shyest person in the world, I”m pretty high up there. I’m not going to say that it won’t be nerve-wracking until you get used to it, but there are some tips I use that make it a little less of a nightmare!
Find your spot beforehand
Don’t wait until the day-of to find your spot where you want to take your pics. You want to go straight there and get the job done. The goal is to have everything planned out so that you feel more prepared when it’s time. If you can help it, it’s best to be an area that you are already familiar with. If you’re uncomfortable, it’s going to show in your pictures for sure!
Aim for the AM
The earlier in the morning that you get started, the better. You’ll have your pics out of the way early, there will be less people out, and the temps will be much nicer. Can’t argue with that.
Practice your poses
Be sure to try on your planned outfits before your shoot and practice posing in the mirror. It’s a good practice to do this in general as it allows you to know your best facial expressions and angles. This will cut out a lot of trial and error while you are taking your pics and save a LOT of time.
Use a tripod for your camera or phone
For now, I prefer to take images of myself with my iPhone 11 Pro Max because I am more familiar with it. It also cuts down on time when I am out alone. I have a Nikon Coolpix B700 camera that I use mostly for product images. It’s much easier and quicker for me to pop my phone into my tripod and do what I have to do. A tripod is an absolute NECESSITY for taking your own pics, trust me!
You want to have a tripod that is very easy to set up. It’s NO FUN fighting with a difficult tripod. I have two that I use, both purchased from Walmart. The one that I ordered online extends to 72″, 6 feet! It came with a smartphone mount, Bluetooth remote control, and carrying bag. Super handy! I also recently bought this one from Amazon that adjusts much quicker, perfect for when you’re out alone.
I use my much smaller, flexible tripod a lot more. There’s no set-up involved with this baby. A really good hack is to drive your car up to your spot, prop the flexible tripod up on your trunk or hood, and easily get your shots. Job done! Another great investment which turned out to be a game changer for me is the Goat case that you can stick to any surface. A goat case + Bluetooth remote is a great hack if you love to do fitting room shots!
Just get it done!
When you’re fully prepared, you won’t be nearly as nervous. Don’t overthink it! People will look at you more than once, but hey, you’re there for a purpose. So just get your pics! Choose a safe area and you’ll be fine. If you’re a shy person, it will be a terrifying experience but it gets easier every time. You can even call someone and put them on speakerphone if that helps. If you’re really not feeling it, wear some sunglasses to “hide behind”. Keep the end goal in mind and handle your business!
Do you take your pictures yourself? What are some tips that you used or are using to get used to it?
Some great tips here, thank you! I hate having my picture taken by others so I think I might try adopting some of your tips and going it alone ☺️Xx
Author
Yes, do it! I had major anxiety my first time but when you get used to it, it’s the best. Make sure you let me know how it goes for you!
Thank you for sharing this. It has definitely been awkward taking pictures by myself, but after reading your post, I feel already more confident. 😊
Author
Yay!! It is super awkward especially when people stare but you got this girl!
Good post and a great reminder that I should pull out the tripod I got as a present and start using it.
Author
Yes girl get it out! You already have what you need! I use my taller one if I’m out in a bigger landscape. I’m still working on getting comfortable with it in public; until then, I prop my handheld one on something and it works just as good!
Great post! I hate having my picture taken, alone or otherwise, and I always feel so awkward when trying to take one for a headshot. These tips are very helpful!
before reading this post, I was always considering my self as a shy person to take good pictures and so one .. but eventually it seems like I just lack the right tools.
thanks for sharing your tips. I’ll definitely consider buying a Tripod for my phone.
Author
Yes! I’m so glad it was a helpful read for you. Before I purchased my tripod, I was fairly lost and I still have shy days sometimes (cue the sunglasses) but being prepared helps a WHOLE LOT!