The Digital Photography Companion

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TAKE PASSPORT PHOTOS AND SELFPORTRAITS

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Finally, work quickly. You’re not Martin Scorsese making the great American epic, so

don’t act like you are. Keep things moving for the sake of your subjects (and for your

own tired feet!).

Take Passport Photos and Self-Portraits

Some people may think that a photographer who turns the camera toward himself ex-

emplifies the height of narcissism, but sometimes you need a shot and no one is around

to take it for you. Headshots for passport photos and personal websites are typical

scenarios for the emergency self-portrait. Start with the basics: make sure your hair is

combed, your collar is down, your shirt is clean, and your teeth are free of spinach (and

lipstick!).

en find a location with a pleasing, uncluttered background. Put the camera on a tri-

pod, and set it to focus on the area where you’ll be standing or sitting. Activate the

self-timer.

If the room is too dim for an existing-light portrait, try using a slow-synchro flash (see

Flash Modes in Chapter 2 for more information). is type of flash provides enough illu-

mination for a good portrait, but slows down the shutter enough to record the ambient

light in the room.

Now position yourself where you focused the camera, and look directly into the lens.

Don’t forget to smile, or at least not to grimace. (Remember, you want governments to