Katrina Gulliver
(K=30) - Comment Date 6/14/2004
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when I have done this sort of thing - with moderate success - I depended on making marks on the background - small chalk marks that were visible through the viewfinder but not obvous to mark the edges of the frame. Then I just set the focal length, With traditional SLRs, I have found the distances marked on the lens pretty accurate. Just measure the distance between yourself and the camera. If your camera has a remote control available that can help too, you can fire the shutter when you are ready, rather than using timed release that will put you in a hurry. Cable releases can do this also but remotes can be more discreet if you don't want it to show up in the photo. As for exposure - there should be (I think) some guidelines printed inside the Ilford box, if you want to use that as a reference.
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James McGinnis
(K=6045) - Comment Date 6/14/2004
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Another option is to use the timer and cable release in conjunction. You can pose yourself in your desired position, trip the shutter and then drop the cable release so it will be out of the frame. You still have time to re-position if needed and you don't have to find creative ways to hide your shutter release mechanism. Also, if you have an auto-focus camera, just pressing the cable release partially will kick in the Auto focus feature which will eliminate the manual settings mentioned above. Although, I think setting your focal distance manually is a more educational approach.
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Shoot Mike
(K=3255) - Comment Date 6/14/2004
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Lucy,
You can set up a mirror behind the camera to see how the light is hitting you and to check your pose. You can also take the picture at a wider angle than you want and crop later.
Mike
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Lucy Bernadette
(K=5806) - Comment Date 6/15/2004
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thanks very much for all your tips. not sure how to put the distance between me and the camera on the camera, but i'll figure it out. ;)
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Dai Hunter
(K=2028) - Comment Date 6/16/2004
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Also with a Dynax, I have used several methods for self-portraiture but this may get you on the right track:
Set the scene and frame the shot without you in it - just the background. Note the left; right; top; and bottom limits of the framed BG so you can position yourself in the scene and in frame.
Set the cam on apature priority to control DOF and manually focus at the distance to where you will be in the scene. Ideally the DOF should be ca 3 - 4 feet from your focus point in space and you can knock the BG out of focus by being that much again in front of it. Let the camera manage the exposure time. With the Minolta (dependiing on the model) you may even be able to bracket the exposure as well in a 3, 5, or 7 shot burst.
You can release the cam with the timer... but I have also successfully used an air release and actually released it with my foot by stepping on the bulb at the time of my choosing. If the camera will auto-advance then you can release frame after frame (or bracketed burst after burst) until you think you have a few shots just right, without having to move around very much.
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Chuck Freeman
(K=13616) - Comment Date 6/17/2004
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Tripod, long cable release and great mirror will get you started. Good luck and show us your self portraits sometime
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not a self portrait
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Derek Fitzer
(K=294) - Comment Date 8/2/2004
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I love film, but digial can realy help especialy with a project like the one your describing - you have to solve for several variables. You can get instant feedback and adjust as you go.
Here's my two cents ...I think eye locatin is critical. record where you are looking when you take an image, along with exposure info and a lighting diagram. you can use this to prompt a subject.
Here's a recent self portrait.
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Gerard Calona
(K=234) - Comment Date 8/2/2004
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In my studio I set an antique chair where I am going to sit. I have constructed a dummy out of a plastic head they use in shop displays and sit that where I am going to sit. I then compose, focus and determine the exposure. Set up complete, remove dummy, set camera on self timer, dash quickly into position and bang it's all done.
Another trick is to loosely tie a bit of string between two upright stands. Put a piece of paper where your nose is going to be and set focus on that. Set camera onto self timer, get into position with nose touching piece of paper, then pull string so that it falls down out of the picture and bang that's it. The mirror idea is also a good one to check your posture and facial expression. Good luck.........Calona
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Rona K **
(K=2375) - Comment Date 6/22/2005
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Hi Lucy, I was going thru old forum and saw this one and it caught me. I do self portraiture and I am wondering if you figured it out.
Here is my advice either way. I have a Canon Powershot pro 1 camera which the LCD screen rotates so I can see me posing, plus it has a remote also and that is a big plus.
Before that I had an Easy share Kodak and I would set up something where I was going to be and take my chances.
With my Canon I shoot at an ISO of 50, apeture to about 4.2 on up and a shutter speed around 800.
Like I said, not sure if you have it all worked out but I just thought I would share my experience. Thank you for your time.
rona
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Michael Romanowicz
(K=165) - Comment Date 6/25/2005
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With manual focus, set your tripod up where you want it, and position yourself exactly where you will be for the portrait. Now, handholding your camera, focus on the tripod head. Next, put the camera on the tripod without changing the focus. Return to your position, and your face will be in focus. This may be easier if you are sitting down, or have some tape on the floor to mark your foot position, etc. Try to use an aperture that will have enough DOF to allow for some error.
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Rebecca .
(K=146) - Comment Date 6/30/2005
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Practise practise practise. :)
And mirrors are useful, even small ones!
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