One of the best types of photography: the selfie.
HAPTIC INDUSTRIES: Creative Tools For Photographers
Selfies are serious.
To start, historically, think of all the famous self portraits made in history. Picasso, Van Gogh, Andy Warhol.
Why are self portraits great?

They are personal. They help you look into the soul of the artist — especially how the artist sees themselves.

In photography, great self-portrait photographers include Cindy Sherman, Lee Friedlander, and Vivian Maier.
Why I like selfies

Sometimes it’s hard to find subjects to photograph. You’re the best subject to shoot. You’re always available. You will always say “yes” to yourself.
When I have nothing else to photograph, I like to shoot myself.
1. Shoot a selfie through distorted reflections

Shoot selfies of yourself through fun house mirrors, or reflective metal surfaces that distort your face.


2. Super minimal space

Shoot ultra minimalist selfies of yourself. Add a lot of black or white space, or negative space around the frame.

3. Don’t look at the camera

4. Get yourself in the reflection

When photographing others, get yourself in the background.

This makes the photo more intimate.
5. Shoot a selfie against a simple black, grey, or white background

This is like Richard Avedon — find a simple clean background, so the viewer won’t get distracted. They will just focus on your face.
6. Put your shadow on random objects

7. Cover your face with your camera

This makes you look more mysterious. More mystery is more interesting to look at.
8. Create separation between you and the graphical elements you photograph

I shoot a selfie of my shadow, yet note the negative white space and separation in-between myself and the elements I am photographing.
9. Shoot selfies of yourself in the passenger car mirror


10. Overexposure your face

Increase the brightness and exposure of your camera, make it +1 or +2 to create a surreal effect.
11. Use a flash in a mirror
By using a flash in the mirror or glass reflection, you will make a more surreal selfie of yourself.
12. Frame yourself in a frame

Put a frame around yourself.
13. Shoot selfies of yourself in the elevator

Elevators are great spaces for reflections, glass, and surrealism.
14. Shoot selfies in changing rooms with lots of mirrors

15. Have other people shoot your selfie for you




Conclusion

Shoot your selfie as a reminder of your own mortality. To be grateful you’re alive, and being able to live this beautiful life that you live.
HONOR THY SELFIE,
ERIC
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