Welcome to part two of the photography post! If you missed part one, I covered a few things to consider when you want to take your own outfits, including:

• Ideal Outfits for Photos
• Finding the Right Location
• How to Prep the Night Before

If you missed part one, you can check it out here. To round out the topic, we’re talking about the things that will help you take your own photos today: tools and angles. Also, confidence is key! I’ll also share some tips to help you build your confidence at the end of the post, so keep reading!

What I’m Wearing: Topshop dress | Target tights | Wild Diva boots | Prive Revaux sunglasses | JORD watch

The Tools that will Help You Get the Shot

I’m a firm believer in learning how to do something before asking (or hiring) someone to do it. If I can’t shoot a photo, how on earth will I be able to direct you so they accurately capture what I envision? It’s easy to snap pictures of your food or set up a flat lay shot, but in addition to your camera of choice, these are the tools that will help you take pictures of yourself outside of the classic mirror shot:

• Tripod
• Self-timer (or low-speed continuous mode)
• Wireless Remote

While it’s up to you which camera you use, I strongly encourage a camera with a flexible LCD screen. The ability to see myself through the LCD screen while posing in front of the camera helps to ensure I remain in focus.

If you watched my latest vlog, you’ll notice that Kyndall and I used two different methods of shooting the pictures. I opted for a wireless remote, and Kyndall selected the “low-speed continuous” shooting method on her camera that lets her capture 3-5 pictures per shot. In addition to those methods, you can also use the self-timer feature on your camera as well. The trick with a self-timer is either placing a temporary object in the frame while you set up the shot, or adjust the depth of field so the full frame is in focus.

Of course, a tripod is super helpful with taking your own pictures so you have flexibility with angles…something else to keep in mind when shooting your pictures.

How to Add Variety to Your Shoot

Unless you’re an aspiring model, it can be a bit awkward snapping yourself in front of the camera. When starting out, it’s easy to do the same consistent pose shoot after shoot. Honestly, a lot of us probably still do that now. But, you should have at least a handful of different poses and/or angles in your back pocket that will add variety to each outfit set. Here are a few tips:

• Angles add interest. Adjust your tripod to take pictures from above and below to see which style you like best.
• Add movement to a photo by doing a twirl or walking forward a few steps mid-shot.
• Try sitting! Switch up the dimensions of your photos by grabbing a seat and kicking your legs up. Seated photos add attitude and edge to the shoot, so use this pose when you’re rocking a look with boots.

Posing is an ongoing challenge because I’m not looking to become a model, I just want to show the outfit. That being said, it’s still important to incorporate different shots. With poses, think about your focal point. Are you highlighting a top? Don’t pose in a way that will hide the details of that top. Do you want to show off your shoes? Get a detailed shot to showcase them!

Finding the Confidence to Shoot Your Own Photos

If you’re a longtime reader of the blog, then you know I used to take pictures on my balcony. Not only was it quick and easy, but it was secluded. Let’s face it…taking pictures, especially of yourself, in front of others is AWKWARD. The good news is if I can do it, you can do it. All it takes is practice! The more you go out and shoot, the more comfortable you feel with onlookers. While you get more comfortable with crowds, here are a few tips when shooting:

• Wake up early! Not only is it ideal shooting time (due to the golden hour), but people are less likely to be out and about. This is especially true on Sundays since most places open a bit later in the day, so take advantage and shoot while everyone is sleeping.
• Bring a friend! Even though you’re shooting your own pictures, a friend can double as a second set of eyes and a stress reliever! Having a friend to converse with in between takes will ease some of the pressure you may feel when people watch as you shoot.
• Shoot in safe, secluded areas. Yes, an empty alley makes for a great photo op, but it doesn’t exactly feel like the best place to shoot alone. Instead, try shooting downtown on top of one of the public parking garages available. It feels open, yet most people don’t like to park all the way at the top so you’ll have a bit more privacy as you take pictures.

I hope you enjoyed this two-part post! I have a few ideas to delve a bit deeper into my photography tips, but that will all come together at a later date! If you go out and practice shooting this weekend, let me know how it goes! Send me a tweet or tag me in your Instagram stories!

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