Self Photo Shoot

Hello again, friends!  I thought it might be fun to share with you one of my secret delights: doing a photo shoot of yourself.  I do have to admit I do this sometimes just because I like my outfit a lot.  :)  But other times, I want to get my creative juices flowing.  I enjoy expressing my thoughts through poses and backgrounds.  So, I'll be sharing both tips I've found helpful when conducting a self photo shoot, but also thoughts behind the pictures.  I hope that you find this post fun and maybe even inspiring to try something fun just for you!

Tip: Don't face the camera in every picture.  Looking into the distance provides a noble, mysterious, thoughtful sensation.

Originally, I took this shot because I loved the rocks and driftwood mixed into one picture.  But when I was looking through the products after doing my photo shoot, the entire picture stood out to me.  It reminds me of someone one a ship.  They are looking off into the distance- waiting.  Maybe they're waiting for land.  Or maybe they're waiting for a shift in the current.  Whatever the reason, it deserves recognition that the pose I've taken up in the picture is one of relaxation.  I don't seem stiff or rigid.  Again, this was totally on accident, but deeply meaningful all the same. 

Tip: Put things in between you and the camera.  Use lines to point to the main subject: you!

I call this picture "What to Do".  The look on my face says, "What am I to do with all this?"  Often times I feel that way in real life, too.  The "driftwood" of pain builds up.  Learning how to process it takes time, but serves one well. 

Tip: Sometimes taking things from a different angle gives needed variety.

The background of this picture speaks to me.  Technically speaking, it's messy.  There's green netting along the base of the hill.  A bright white sign stands not far from my head.  A scraggly stick sits near my feet.  Yet that "mess" together with the footprints, waves, rocks and sand make for something striking.  I've come across people who dislike sharing their life story because they believe it's messy.  But isn't all of our lives?!  Sharing allows for connection.  And connection scares away loneliness.

I love this one because it speaks to my love of dance!  Tip: Strike a pose or use a prop that reflects what you love.

Tip: Dark isn't always bad.  Sometimes shadows tell part of the story.

Tip: Don't be scared of getting close to the camera!

Tip: The subject doesn't always have to be in the center.  Play around with where you stand.

I really can't stress lines which "lead up to" the subject enough.  They gives such support to the main story of the picture.

Jumping pictures are always a Shaarda favorite!  

Tip: Do something noble!  Or choose another characteristic that makes a pose stand out.

Some people think I'm funny for my love of feet pictures.  But I think they're special!  After all, our feet walk this journey called life.  Why not capture the places they've stood?  This one speaks about the broken, messy places I've trodden.  

Now, I can guarantee blooper pictures when you're trying to do a photo shoot on self-timer!  I fell on my butt a few times with the jumping picture attempts :)

And there were some headless shots.

But all in all, my heart goes back to one principle: every picture tells a story.  The more I use my photography to speak to where I'm at and have been, the more important photography becomes to me.