The Importance of Mastering the Art of the Self Portrait

This post was purely inspired by a line in Alexa Chung’s book “IT”.

This is it:

“IT’S important in this day and age to master the art of the self-portrait.”

This line really inspired me and it also got me thinking. I do agree with Alexa. I think, especially now, that it is very important to master the art of the “self-portrait,” or “the selfie.” Many people may not be comfortable with the fact that pictures of yourself in this day and age is becoming a norm now, and taking photos with your friends it too. Now this may not be a problem for you, if you’re comfortable in front of the camera, you love having your photo taken etc, etc then this new “thing,” isn’t a big deal for you. However, if you have a low self-esteem and you want to sort it out, or you really want to start taking selfies and selfies with friends, then this is very important for you. You’re sick of being that friend who doesn’t want to be in any of the group photos, or feels that you CAN’T be in them because you just have no idea how to look good in a photo.

Well, to solve this, do what Alexa just said. Master the art of the self-portrait, and the only way to do that, is to take photos of yourself. Take photos of yourself at every single angle, in different poses, front camera, normal camera, with the flash without the flash. Web cam, phone cam, CAMERA CAM. In the mirror, outside, lying down, in your bed, the camera above your head, below your head, to the side, and more.

However, I do recommend this:

DON’T EVER START THIS WHEN YOU DO NOT FEEL GOOD.

If you don’t feel good, whether that be emotionally, physically, mentally whatever. If you don’t feel good, then it will come up and show in your face. Unless you’re amazing at acting, you will not be able to fake your feelings on your face. It will show in the photos you take, and if you don’t understand that and if you have a low self-esteem with that, then you will feel awful and probably give up. So do the above, when you feel good about yourself. Your happiness will shine through and your photos, your test pictures will turn out great, even if they aren’t what you want.

So, now that we’ve got that out of the way, I suggest that when you do manage to get a great shot, save it and print it out. I personally suggest that you create some sort of photo book/album full of photos where you look great. Keep your good shots! Store them, file them properly so when you don’t feel good about your appearance one day, you can just flip to your book and look through the photos. You flip through the pages and cry and laugh at yourself and wonder why you started doubting yourself in the first place. Put the book away, and let it rest until the next time it’s needed. 

The last thing I’m going to say, before I let you go and take selfies, is that if you can’t take good photos of yourself, then get other people to take them. If your phone doesn’t have a quality camera then get a good camera. I know some people may think it’s a bit too “extreme,” to start buying expensive cameras, but this will honestly boost your own self-esteem and confidence (and I’m speaking from personal experience). Get your parents, your siblings or friends that you trust to give you honest feedback to help you get a couple of good shots. If you don’t want your friends and family to do it, get a professional photographer to do it for you. Get someone to do your makeup, or if you don’t want makeup, get your skin prepped in a spa. TREAT YOURSELF.

Also, I have one more thing. Do not stop, until you have at least five shots that you will not doubt, and that you’re truly happy with.

“Document the moments you feel most in love with yourself

     - what you’re wearing, who you’re around, what you’re doing. 

                                  Recreate and repeat.”

       — Warsan Shire

Thank you for reading, and thank you Alexa for once again inspiring.

Her instagram.

You can buy IT here.