Here’s how to take boudoir self-portraits with some easy to follow tips.
What Are Boudoir Self Portraits
Due to the difficult nature of self-portraits, many photographers shy away from the idea. This type of photography can be very beneficial to you and your company. Self-portraits are not about vanity or attention-seeking. They are a way to put yourself in your clients’ shoes. And they also give you the freedom to try out new ideas. Photographing yourself can be helpful to learn different lighting and posing without having to hire a model. It can be also therapeutic for creativity. I contacted Beth Claire of Lost Highway Imaging, one of the best self-portrait photographers in the industry, for her top tips.
How to Overcome Common Boudoir Self-Portrait Challenges
The first time you attempt a self-portrait, whether boudoir or not, it is important to clear your day. It is more time consuming than you might expect and you want to be able to give yourself space to not feel rushed. Checking on the clock will only add to the stress. If you are not experienced with hair and makeup you may want to hire an artist. This will give you the full effect that your boudoir clients would receive. Why not pamper yourself for the day! It is important to do a dry run without a stylist so the pressure is not on you the day of your styled shoot. Claire suggests using a tripod versus propping your camera on a bench or dresser table. It is easier to keep the frame stable and you will have more flexibility on where you are shooting. In the past, I have attempted to put my camera on a table or chair and it never had the stability for framing the area as my tripod. A big portion of self-portraits is having patience. It will take practice to get your focus right, so take your time to avoid frustration. Changing up posing will give you the options to show movement and fluidity in your posts.
Equipment for Self Portrait Boudoir Photography
Before you begin you will need to see what equipment you have to work with for the shoot. I have tried using the timer on my camera. But I recommend a remote or something similar. The back and forth will indeed lead to a cardio workout. The exhaustion will show in your images. Claire uses a CamRanger unit. She has used a remote and intervalometer in the past. Remember if you use a push button remote you will have to hide it in one of your hands. Some cameras do have built-in intervalometers. Before you start, you will want to check your manual. If you’re setting up images on location such as at the beach, take an assistant with you. In the image above, Claire creates her own silicone mermaid tail. Silicone tails are difficult to get into. Jumping down off the rocks to readjust in case of a tripod fall would be difficult. Having an assistant to sit with your camera when you are in a themed set up will help. Use props such as mirrors and textured wardrobes such as this robe to help give your portrait an advantage. In this image, Claire can add drama all while hiding any remote or trigger in her shot. Setups do not have to be difficult or time-consuming. A robe, a mirror, and a strobe gave Claire all she needed to capture this dramatic portrait. Focusing is probably the most difficult aspect of self-portraits. If you are looking for a specific depth of field it can be helpful to place a mannequin or other object in the spot. This will give you something to focus on before you step into the frame. She even suggests using kids toys for a stand-in model. When shooting on a bed, you can use brightly colored tape in the shape of an X for a focal point. If a stand-in is not an option, it will be important to give yourself a little more depth of field than you would normally shoot. Until Claire gained more experience with self-portraits she started out with an f/5.6. She now shoots reliably at f/1.8 without any issues. In the beginning, it was helpful to have this wiggle room in case the focus was not right on to start. She prefers the Cam Ranger since she can often select the focus point directly on the screen of your device.
Choosing Your Self Portrait Wardrobe
It is important to choose a wardrobe that makes the storyline come alive. And that also makes you feel good. You will most likely be alone during your self-portraits so chose pieces that you will not need assistance with. Unless you have a friend near, lacing up a corset may be too difficult and become frustrating for your first time. Chose items that make sense to you instead of what you feel would be more acceptable. If you are more into Calvin Klein underwear, use this. Don’t struggle with a bodysuit that is itchy and uncomfortable.
Image Selection for Self Portraits
Unlike a client session, self-portraits may not produce as many usable shots. Expect to take twenty to thirty shots for every one that will work. This is mainly true in the start of your self-portrait career. Plan to walk away with one or two great shots the first time around rather than filling an album. The intent for this is more to practice until you get the hang of your own style in this new genre. If you are nervous about lighting or posing it may help to pose just as you would with your own clients. Create your posing and lighting flow just as you would with one of your clients during a normal rotation. This removes the guesswork of lighting and posing. And it creates content for your client group. It is a great way to blog and interact with your VIP groups. Let them know you put yourself in their shoes. Your clients will appreciate that you understand how nerve-wracking a session can be. And that you can relate.
Get Creative with Self Portraits
The great thing about self-portraits is the freedom of creativity. You are not bound to a specific look so this is the time to get all those ideas into your camera. When working with clients you may be nervous to attempt a new look and waste your clients time. Hiring models is a great way. But it also costs money for their time. Self-portraits give you the flexibility to add a new dramatic look, try out new poses, or even a brand new style. Once you get your focus down, you can start playing with other options such as themed styles. Claire creates a shoot with holiday-themed ideas to put to her VIP groups. This gives her clients the visual of what her setups will be for a Halloween session for example. Adding in strobe lighting will give a dramatic look to your session as well. You may want to wait on artificial lighting until after a few tries. That way you are not overdoing it your first time around. After you gain experience, chose a variety of looks to test out new ideas. If you normally love to shoot in lingerie, next time chose a themed look. You’ll get more diversity in your self-portrait portfolio.
Avoiding Mistakes During Self Portraits
A common mistake of first-timers is sticking to the same poses and angles for the entirety of the shoot. Change it up in each shot to see which you prefer. You would never take 30 shots of your clients in the same pose. Why do this with your own session? Getting frustrated throughout the shoot if you feel it is not going the way you had intended is another mistake. Take a few deep breaths and walk away for a moment. This is not a client shoot where the money is on the table. This is for your own personal creativity. Unless you are creating a calendar project you will have plenty of time to get it right. Another mistake is to be judgmental of yourself. Self-portraits take time and patience to learn. Your first attempt may in your mind be a failure but it is just a stepping stone to the next session. It is important to be kind to yourself during a self-portrait photography session. This kindness applies to every step of the process from getting dressed to reviewing the back of your camera. During the session, take a step back and look at yourself the way you would your clients. If you would not judge them for stretch marks, cellulite or weight, why judge yourself? No matter when you start or how many images you may get from your first shoot, you will gain a new respect for photography and your clients. It opens your eyes to your shooting space, lighting, posing choices and much more. Self-portrait boudoir photography can lead you to a whole new world of options for your business.
