A new year means a fresh start, a new turn through the months of the calendar, and it’s the perfect opportunity to try something different. Scrapbooking is all about combining photos, words, and beautiful embellishments to create a lasting chronicle of our lives. So here at the Sweet Shoppe, we’re going to dedicate some time at the start of each month to focus on the first of those three ingredients: our photographs.

Each month, we’ll bring you a new challenge to focus on one specific aspect of photography. We’ll give you some coaching as well as resources if you want to dig into it further, and we’ll challenge you to shoot one or more images to practice.

We’re starting off in the month of January by focusing on self portraits. After all, appearing in our own albums is something many of us struggle with. So let’s begin the year as we mean to continue and capture a self-portrait!

A Self-Portrait is Not A Selfie

Self-portraits are different from selfies. A selfie is a photo usually taken both spontaneously and quickly; it focuses on the present moment, external appearances, and connecting with other people. Self-portraits are the opposite. They take deliberate thought and planning; they focus on the past, present and future, the artist’s inner life rather than external appearance, and their sense of self. (You can read more here. https://timgorichanaz.medium.com/selfies-vs-self-portraits-a-question-of-meaning-dd8acae2428d)

Let me put it another way. 

• A selfie: “I just got this cute haircut! Let’s take a quick pic and share it with my friends. … I’m on the beach – have to capture this moment! … I spent all evening getting dressed up for this event; I definitely need a photo before we leave.”
• A self-portrait: “I’m going through a really rough time right now. How can I create an image that captures the exhaustion and desolation I feel in this moment? Maybe I’ll shoot this against a rock wall background to symbolize how rocky my life is, and I’ll make it black-and-white to emphasize these shadows…” or, “I’m feeling so much joy about being a new mother! It’s absolutely exhausting, but so very rewarding. I’m going to create a portrait in the baby’s nursery with me sitting in the rocking chair, with side light from the window. Would looking at the camera or into the distance be a better way of capturing the way I feel? I’ll shoot it both ways and see…”

Does that make sense? A selfie is quick, in-the-moment, and it’s about what’s happening on the outside. A self-portrait requires thought and planning because it’s about capturing what’s happening on the inside.

Start with some Introspection

Before we get into the tools and technical aspects of shooting a self portrait, we want to develop the concept for our portrait. That is, what are we trying to capture? If the answer doesn’t immediately pop into your head, don’t worry – you’re not alone. I often struggle with coming up with a concept for my self-portraiture; but remember, that’s what elevates the image from a selfie to a portrait. There’s some deeper meaning beyond just “here’s what I look like right now”.

One of the best ways to develop a concept for your self-portrait is to spend a little time in self-reflection. And aren’t we all doing that this time of year? Whether you’re considering New Year’s Resolutions or hunting for One Little Word for your year, a little self-examination will help get your creative juices flowing. Here are some questions you might consider:

• What is my life motto? What words do I live by?
• What do I love about myself?
• What is my greatest strength?
• What do I want to change about myself?
• How have I grown this year? What have I learned?
• What brings me joy?
• What makes me unique?
• When do I feel most like myself?
• What are my core values?
• What is holding me back in life?
• How do I feel right now, at this very moment?
• How can I embrace my inner child?
• What am I passionate about?
• How do I take care of my (mental, physical, or spiritual) health?

Need more ideas? Check out these articles:

• 60 journal prompts for Self-Growth – https://healingandwellnessforyou.com/journal-prompts-for-self-growth/
• 105 Writing Prompts for Self-Reflection https://reflectionsfromaredhead.com/writing-prompts-for-self-reflection/

As I worked through these prompts, several different concepts for my own self portrait came to my mind:

1. I’ve dropped 50lbs in the past 12 months. I’m proud of myself for how far I’ve come, but I still have another 50lbs to go until I reach a healthy weight. I worry about losing my momentum, about back-sliding, about the additional changes I have to make this year to stay on track. But I’m also excited about what’s ahead of me. I wonder how I could capture the dichotomy of my state of mind in a photograph. I could call it “Halfway There”.
2. One of my hobbies is sewing. I sew clothes, soft toys, bags, and more for the people I love. It would thrill me to capture an image of me at work in my studio, surrounded by fabric, creating something for someone close to my heart.
3. I struggle with chronic pain and daily migraine headaches. They impact every single area of my life, but it’s what they call an “invisible illness” because the symptoms aren’t visible. How could I capture the reality of living with this pain?

What about you? Hopefully this list has gotten your brain in gear, ruminating on the types of things you could capture in a self portrait.

Tools for a Self-Portrait

Now that you’ve got one or more concepts for your self-portrait, let’s talk about the physical tools you’ll want to gather.

To create a self-portrait, you don’t need a super fancy camera. The camera on your smartphone will work just fine … but you need a way to take the photo without holding your phone. You can do this by using the camera’s self-timer or a wireless remote control.

Resources to set your camera’s self-timer:

• How to use the Timer on the iPhone camera (2024) – https://lifehacker.com/tech/how-to-set-a-camera-timer-on-your-iphone
• How to Set a Timer for Android Camera – https://www.ytechb.com/how-to-set-a-timer-for-android-camera/
• Nikon Download Center (for product manuals) – https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/index.html
• Canon User Manual library – https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/support/camera-user-manual
• Use your Apple Watch as a remote for your iPhone camera – https://support.apple.com/guide/watch/camera-remote-apda6e61c287/watchos

Bluetooth remote controls: I have personally used the following:

• Xenovo Shutterbug – Bluetooth Wireless Remote Control currently $19
• Gadgin Premium Selfie Remote Control Camera Shutter currently $18
• best with older phones: CamKix Camera Shutter Remote Control with Bluetooth currently $6

Now that you can take the photo without holding your phone, you’ll need a way to stand up your phone. You can get fancy with a tripod, but it’s not a requirement. You can lean your phone against something or prop it up; for example, I’ve used a cheap phone stand I’d been given as a promotional item simply because it was what I had on hand.

If you want to splurge on your camera phone photography game in 2025, I own and recommend the SnapGrip Creator Kit by ShiftCam. It’s one of my favorite things ever in the history of ever!

Lighting Your Self-Portrait

Lighting in photography is a huge subject – after all, the root of the word “photography” means “painting with light” – so I’m going to keep this as simple as possible. Think about where your light is coming from when you set up your shot.

Direct front light

Direct front light is not dramatic because it creates a flat look, but it de-emphasizes texture – so it helps hide blemishes and wrinkles.

Option #1: Stand in front of a window with the camera between you and the window.

Option #2: Use a clip-on ring light, available for as little as $10.

Option #3: Sit in front of your computer monitor set to a white screen in a dark room.

Indirect side light

Indirect side light creates dramatic images with texture and shadows.

Option #1: Pose with a window or lamp to your side, usually at a 45- or 90-degree angle

I captured these next images in – of all places – a hotel room in Atlantic City. When I returned to my room that afternoon, the sunlight coming through the wall of glass was so pretty, I had to pull out my camera. I placed a chair at a 90-degree angle to the windows and piled it high with pillows. The white pillowcases helped reflect the light and created sort of a soft rim light around my head.

Option #2: Shoot under cover – a porch, overhang, parking garage, or residential garage with the door open. Look for areas of 100% shade, but with adequate ambient light.

Back light

Depending on the exposure you shoot at, back light either creates a silhouette or paints the edge of your subject with light.

Option #1: Pose with a window or other bright light source behind you. I captured this image in an office meeting room, specifically hoping to catch my reflection in the shiny tabletop. I was stressed out and exhausted, but looked just fine on the outside; the idea of a blurry reflection fading into nothing spoke to me.

Option #2: In a dark room, set up a bright light source pointed at the side and back of your head. Then play with your camera’s exposure to create an image half in light, half in deep shadow.

Posing tips and ideas

• Try a variety of angles and expressions.
• Use mirrors and your reflection in a creative way.
• Play with shadows.
• Create a faceless self-portrait by covering your face with an item or looking away from the camera…
• …Or a no-face self-portrait by shooting another part of your body.
• Hide part of your face.
• Shoot an extreme close-up of part of your face.
• Check out this article for some great samples – https://fixthephoto.com/self-portrait-photography.html
• Or check out this article for even more examples – https://shotkit.com/self-portrait-photography/

Now, it’s your turn.

Start with some introspection. Go through the list of prompts above and see what creative sparks begin to fly.

When you have a concept for your self-portrait, gather together your tools: a camera, a way to trigger it, and something to hold it in place.

Then give some thought to the mood you want to create and how you might light it. Does direct front light accomplish what you need? Or would an indirect side light work better? Or if you’re going for maximum drama, what about back light?

Create some time to spend with your camera when you won’t be interrupted. Shoot lots and lots and LOTS of photos. Vary your angles and expressions. Remember, no one is watching, so you can be as silly or as dramatic as you like.

When you’re finished, review what you’ve shot. Edit the best of the bunch. And share them with us in our new Photo Challenge Gallery – because we can’t wait to see the amazing self portraits you capture this month! We may even choose a favorite or two to win a sweet treat!