9 Impressive Mirror Photography Ideas to Try Yourself

Tags: Photography for Beginners, Portraits, Models

By Taya Ivanova   

If you want a quick and easy way to take interesting portraits, mirror photography is for you.
All you need is a mirror (or several mirrors, if you’re feeling extra creative), a patient model, and a few tips.

1. Use Artificial Light to Enhance Your Model’s Features

A Hollywood vanity mirror will cast an even amount of light on your subject. Mirrors like this 

are ideal for glamour photography or behind-the-scenes shots. If you’re a DIY fanatic,  

you can make your very own vanity mirror.

One of the best things about mirror photography is that it offers unlimited possibilities. As long as you have access to a mirror, you can take photos wherever and whenever you want.
If you want to stay in, experiment with different outfits, and take great photos with a limited amount of light, you can easily do so. You just need to work with artificial light and DSLR camera settings that are usually not needed during the warmer months.
Artificial light can enhance your subject’s features. As you take photos, make sure you manually change your photos’ colour temperature and ISO.
Colour temperature will let you fix unflattering tones and ISO will help you take sharp photos in locations with limited light.

2. Use Manual Focus for the Sharpest Results

Depending on the concept of your shoot, you might have to deal with a lot of busy foregrounds and backgrounds in your compositions.
Because of this, autofocus might capture the wrong subject or not be able to focus at all. Especially if you’re working with a small f-number like f/1.2. You can avoid this by switching to manual focus.
Manual focus will let you capture exactly what you want. If you don’t use it regularly, it will feel very awkward at first. Don’t let this bother you!
It’s also likely that the mirror you use will create distortions on your model’s face. These will be noticeable only when you zoom into your photo, so they shouldn’t be a problem.

3. Create Space in Small Rooms by Using Large Mirrors

Both of these self-portraits are mirror reflections. I was able to freely flip my hair because 

the camera was standing a few metres away from me.

Small spaces like elevators have mirrors to give the illusion of more space. You can use this trick to your advantage when you shoot in small rooms.
If you live in a small apartment, you can use a large mirror to take mirror images of your subject from a distance. This is especially handy if you use a zoom lens, which typically isn’t practical to use indoors.
You can also use large mirrors to create more space between yourself and your model. This will make them feel more comfortable and give them room to pose without worrying about bumping into your camera.

4. Shoot Through Multiple Mirrors to Create a Surreal Effect

There’s a lot you can do with multiple mirrors. In this photo, the mirrors are emphasising the model’s beauty routine. You could use exactly the same setup and perspective to take a surreal infinity effect photo.

Surreal photography is all about otherworldly concepts and stories inspired by fairytales. Some surrealist photographers, like Rosie Hardy, use their photo editing skills to create unusual photos.
Others, like John Dykstra, use props and their imagination to create unedited masterpieces.
You don’t always need incredible editing skills or props to create surreal photos, though. With use of mirrors (at least two), you can focus on different angles of your model’s face and reflect objects that wouldn’t be visible in a photo with one mirror.
Here, you can also different reflective surfaces for better images.

5. Take Photos of Yourself and Your Model at the Same Time

This is actually a self-portrait that I made using two separate photos. If you want to take 

conceptual photos of yourself, you’ll need to invest a little more time and patience in 

your photoshoot.

Portrait photography tends to focus on those standing in front of the camera. Anyone behind it should be invisible. Mirror photography is an exception to this rule, as you can take photos of both yourself and your model in the mirror.
You can use this technique to add depth to your creative self-portraits. It can also be used to create more space in a photo or to fill in empty areas in your composition.
Make sure you use this technique sparingly, though. The more you use it, the more unoriginal your concepts will be.
Try creative these self-reflection portraits with broken mirrors for some added creativity.

6. Take Your Mirror Outdoors

There are lots of exciting outdoor locations that you can enhance with the help of a mirror. You can use it to cover parts of your model’s body, reflect a beautiful location, or even use it to improve your landscape photography skills.
I recommend using a small mirror outdoors. Carrying a large mirror is impractical. And it will make your photo shoot significantly more inconvenient than a normal one with smaller props.

7. Recreate Fun Road Trip Photos in a Car

You don’t need to go on an epic road trip to take exciting travel photos. If you have a car, you can recreate travel photos by simply having your model sit in it. No driving necessary!
Use a side mirror or rear view mirror to focus on your model. Make sure the background (preferably an eye-catching location) is visible, too.
This will give dimension to your photo and create a sense of adventure.

8. Take Atmospheric Self-Portraits

Mirror selfies have become so popular that they’re no longer interesting, but this doesn’t mean you can’t use them to create original self-portraits.
Instead of focusing solely on yourself, try to create an atmosphere using objects next to your mirror. The photographer in the image above used her bedroom to create a cozy and pleasant feel.
While most of the objects in her photo aren’t sharp, they still complement her pose and reflect her personality (no pun intended).

9. Use a Small Mirror to Create Abstract Portraits

Abstract portraits are unconventional and striking. They can be used to create photos that resemble paintings or simply highlight one part of your model’s face, like the eye in the photo above.
You can use a handheld mirror or a prism to experiment with this effect. A prism might make reflections appear more distorted. You’ll also have to focus very carefully to get sharp results.
A handheld mirror will reflect more of your subject’s face and make it easier for you to focus on them.
Since both of these mirrors are affordable and accessible, I recommend experimenting with both.

Mirror photography will help you appreciate unusual perspectives, try out new photography styles, and add more depth to your photos.
Even the simplest mirror can help you take your portraits to the next level.
So what are you waiting for? Grab a mirror and start shooting!

 

 

 

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Top Self Portrait Boudoir Photography Tips

By Jennifer Tallerico        

What Are Boudoir Self Portraits

Due to the difficult nature of self-portraits, many photographers shy away from the idea. This type of photography can be very beneficial to you and your company.

Self-portraits are not about vanity or attention-seeking. They are a way to put yourself in your clients’ shoes. And they also give you the freedom to try out new ideas.

Photographing yourself can be helpful to learn different lighting and posing without having to hire a model. It can be also therapeutic for creativity.

I contacted Beth Claire of Lost Highway Imaging, one of the best self-portrait photographers in the industry, for her top tips.

Image by Beth Claire

How to Overcome Common Boudoir Self-Portrait Challenges

The first time you attempt a self-portrait, whether boudoir or not, it is important to clear your day. It is more time consuming than you might expect and you want to be able to give yourself space to not feel rushed.

Checking on the clock will only add to the stress. If you are not experienced with hair and makeup you may want to hire an artist. This will give you the full effect that your boudoir clients would receive. Why not pamper yourself for the day!

It is important to do a dry run without a stylist so the pressure is not on you the day of your styled shoot.

Image by Beth Claire

Claire suggests using a tripod versus propping your camera on a bench or dresser table. It is easier to keep the frame stable and you will have more flexibility on where you are shooting.

In the past, I have attempted to put my camera on a table or chair and it never had the stability for framing the area as my tripod. A big portion of self-portraits is having patience.

It will take practice to get your focus right, so take your time to avoid frustration.

Image by Beth Claire

Changing up posing will give you the options to show movement and fluidity in your posts.

Image by Beth Claire

Equipment for Self Portrait Boudoir Photography

Before you begin you will need to see what equipment you have to work with for the shoot. I have tried using the timer on my camera. But I recommend a remote or something similar.

The back and forth will indeed lead to a cardio workout. The exhaustion will show in your images.

Claire uses a CamRanger unit. She has used a remote and intervalometer in the past. Remember if you use a push button remote you will have to hide it in one of your hands.

Some cameras do have built-in intervalometers. Before you start, you will want to check your manual.

Image by Beth Claire

If you’re setting up images on location such as at the beach, take an assistant with you. In the image above, Claire creates her own silicone mermaid tail.

Silicone tails are difficult to get into. Jumping down off the rocks to readjust in case of a tripod fall would be difficult. Having an assistant to sit with your camera when you are in a themed set up will help.

Use props such as mirrors and textured wardrobes such as this robe to help give your portrait an advantage. In this image, Claire can add drama all while hiding any remote or trigger in her shot.

Setups do not have to be difficult or time-consuming. A robe, a mirror, and a strobe gave Claire all she needed to capture this dramatic portrait.

Image by Beth Claire

Focusing is probably the most difficult aspect of self-portraits. If you are looking for a specific depth of field it can be helpful to place a mannequin or other object in the spot. This will give you something to focus on before you step into the frame.

She even suggests using kids toys for a stand-in model.

When shooting on a bed, you can use brightly colored tape in the shape of an X for a focal point. If a stand-in is not an option, it will be important to give yourself a little more depth of field than you would normally shoot.

Until Claire gained more experience with self-portraits she started out with an f/5.6.  She now shoots reliably at f/1.8 without any issues.

In the beginning, it was helpful to have this wiggle room in case the focus was not right on to start.

Image by Beth Claire

She prefers the Cam Ranger since she can often select the focus point directly on the screen of your device.

Choosing Your Self Portrait Wardrobe

It is important to choose a wardrobe that makes the storyline come alive. And that also makes you feel good. You will most likely be alone during your self-portraits so chose pieces that you will not need assistance with.

Unless you have a friend near, lacing up a corset may be too difficult and become frustrating for your first time. Chose items that make sense to you instead of what you feel would be more acceptable.

If you are more into Calvin Klein underwear, use this. Don’t struggle with a bodysuit that is itchy and uncomfortable.

Image by Beth Claire

Image Selection for Self Portraits

Unlike a client session, self-portraits may not produce as many usable shots. Expect to take twenty to thirty shots for every one that will work. This is mainly true in the start of your self-portrait career.

Plan to walk away with one or two great shots the first time around rather than filling an album. The intent for this is more to practice until you get the hang of your own style in this new genre.

If you are nervous about lighting or posing it may help to pose just as you would with your own clients. Create your posing and lighting flow just as you would with one of your clients during a normal rotation.

This removes the guesswork of lighting and posing. And it creates content for your client group. It is a great way to blog and interact with your VIP groups. Let them know you put yourself in their shoes.

Your clients will appreciate that you understand how nerve-wracking a session can be. And that you can relate.

Image by Beth Claire

Get Creative with Self Portraits

The great thing about self-portraits is the freedom of creativity. You are not bound to a specific look so this is the time to get all those ideas into your camera.

When working with clients you may be nervous to attempt a new look and waste your clients time. Hiring models is a great way. But it also costs money for their time.

Self-portraits give you the flexibility to add a new dramatic look, try out new poses, or even a brand new style.

Image by Beth Claire

Once you get your focus down, you can start playing with other options such as themed styles. Claire creates a shoot with holiday-themed ideas to put to her VIP groups.

This gives her clients the visual of what her setups will be for a Halloween session for example. Adding in strobe lighting will give a dramatic look to your session as well.

You may want to wait on artificial lighting until after a few tries. That way you are not overdoing it your first time around.

Image by Beth Claire

After you gain experience, chose a variety of looks to test out new ideas. If you normally love to shoot in lingerie, next time chose a themed look. You’ll get more diversity in your self-portrait portfolio.

Avoiding Mistakes During Self Portraits

A common mistake of first-timers is sticking to the same poses and angles for the entirety of the shoot. Change it up in each shot to see which you prefer.

You would never take 30 shots of your clients in the same pose. Why do this with your own session?

Getting frustrated throughout the shoot if you feel it is not going the way you had intended is another mistake. Take a few deep breaths and walk away for a moment.

This is not a client shoot where the money is on the table. This is for your own personal creativity. Unless you are creating a calendar project you will have plenty of time to get it right.

Another mistake is to be judgmental of yourself. Self-portraits take time and patience to learn. Your first attempt may in your mind be a failure but it is just a stepping stone to the next session.

It is important to be kind to yourself during a self-portrait photography session. This kindness applies to every step of the process from getting dressed to reviewing the back of your camera.

During the session, take a step back and look at yourself the way you would your clients. If you would not judge them for stretch marks, cellulite or weight, why judge yourself?

Image by Beth Claire

No matter when you start or how many images you may get from your first shoot, you will gain a new respect for photography and your clients.

It opens your eyes to your shooting space, lighting, posing choices and much more. Self-portrait boudoir photography can lead you to a whole new world of options for your business.

 

 

 

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30 Unique Animal Photography Examples to Inspire You

Tags: Photography for Beginners, Pets, Golden Hour

 

By Taya Ivanova             

30. Take Glowing Photos During Golden Hour

There’s a lot you can do with animal photography during golden hour.

Golden hour occurs after sunrise and before sunset. You can use it to take photos from all kinds of angles. All without worrying about overexposing or underexposing your photos.

29.  Use Window Light to Take Moody Photos of Your Cat

You don’t need a lot of professional equipment to take professional photos of animals. If you have a pet, you can practise by using window light.

Instead of using direct window light, use different angles.

Side lighting, the one that lights half of your subject’s face, can create a beautiful gradient.

28. Focus on the Eyes to Make Your Photos More Expressive

Just like portrait photography, animal photography relies on the eyes.

To take expressive photos, get on the animal’s level and focus on its eyes. For the best results, make sure the animal looks directly into the lens.

You can do this by capturing its attention with rewards or harmless sounds.

27. Use a Zoom Lens to Capture Unique Moments

If you want to become a professional animal photographer, you need to invest in a zoom lens.

You can use zoom lenses to take sharp photos of animals from a distance.

This will come in handy if your subject is too far away to catch up with or if they’re dangerous.

26. Use Shutter Speed to Take Incredible Action Shots

To take detailed photos of your pet in action, you need to familiarise yourself with shutter speed. Shutter speed will determine how quickly your camera takes a photo.

The right shutter speed will allow you to take all kinds of action shots.

This is ideal for owners of energetic pets who can’t sit still for a photo!

25. Put the Focus on Your Subject Using Aperture

A blurred background like the one above is easy to achieve.

Look for a number on your lens. It might say something like f/1.8, f/5-6.3, etc. This is the largest possible aperture you can work with.

The larger the aperture (or the smaller the number), the blurrier you can make your backgrounds.

An aperture of f/1.2, for example, will result in a soft backdrop like the one above.

This will help you blur out distractions and focus on your subject.

24. Document the Relationship Between Animals to Make Your Photos More Emotional

No photo is complete without a story. To make your animal photos more emotional, tell stories through your subjects.

The best way to do this is to photograph them interacting with one another.

For example, it seems like the Atlantic Puffins in this photo are talking to each other.

Finding moments like this isn’t easy, but it will help you find potential in simple interactions.

23. Find Patterns and Similar Colours in Simplicity

Some of the best animal photos are simple and pleasing to the eye.

Most animals have some kind of beautiful pattern that deserves to be photographed in the best light.

Find these patterns, colors, and lines to take breathtaking images.

22. Take Photos of Animals with Their Favourite Things

Every animal has something it loves, be it a specific food or a toy. Documenting this is an easy way to make your animal portraits more personal and interesting to look at.

If the animal is a pet, its favorite item will also make it feel comfortable in front of your camera.

21. Take an Epic Group Photo of Horses Using a Wide-Angle Lens

Horses are majestic creatures, especially when they’re together.

Take photos of them using a wide-angle lens. This will let you capture as many details and surroundings as possible.

20. Capture an Animal Mid-Yawn for Amazing Results

Yawns can help you take hilarious or impressive photos of animals.

To sharply capture something as quick as a yawn, you need to be familiar with shutter speed. Check out idea #25 to find out more.

19. Take Photos of Animals to the Next Level Using Your Editing Skills

Editing is an essential part of any photography style. Even if you don’t like Photoshop, you can still use it to enhance your photos even a little.

Editing is great for restoring shadows in dark photos. You can mute highlights in overexposed shots and correct distracting colors.

18. Take Stunning Detailed Photos of Highland Cattle

Using a zoom or macro lens, you can take amazing photos of Highland Cattle.

These creatures are known for their majestic horns and furry bodies. These features are great for taking otherworldly photos.

17. Interact With Animals to Take Unique Outdoor Photos

Why not include yourself in some animal photos? Photos of animals interacting with people or their owners are unique and heartwarming.

Make sure the animals you’re interacting with won’t bite your hand off!

16. Take Photos Using Backlight to Create Magical Silhouettes

Sometimes, details aren’t that important. To capture an atmosphere, take photos using backlight. This is light that shines behind your subject.

This will create a silhouette that you can use to emphasise specific shapes.

15. Take Perfect Animal Photos Using Foregrounds

Foregrounds are located close to the camera lens. With a large aperture, they usually get blurred out.

This makes them the perfect tools for simple yet eye-catching animal photos.

Use simple foregrounds, like grass and branches. These will add depth to your photos and put the spotlight on your subject.

14. Take Professional Photos of Horses Using Natural Light and a Black Background

A black background can make any photo look professional or moody. One of the best things about black backgrounds is that they’re affordable and very easy to set up!

This is perfect for horse photography, which often revolves around elegance and strength.

13. Use a Macro Lens to Photograph Your Pet’s Eyes

Animal eyes are so detailed. It’s impossible not to take unflattering photos of them. You can use a macro lens for your camera or phone to take amazing photos of eyes.

You can even turn this into a project where you photograph animal eyes exclusively.

12. For Sharp Animal Portraits, Use Manual Focus

If you used autofocus to photograph the duck in the picture above, your camera would probably focus on the beak.

I recommend using manual focus when you want the sharpest results possible. Especially when you’re working with calm animals like ducks and turtles.

11. Have an Adorable Outdoor Photo Shoot With Your Pet

You don’t need to go far to improve your animal photography.

If you have a pet, practice by having photoshoots with it as often as possible.

Shoot outdoors to get better at working with a variety of natural light.

10. Use Unusual Angles to Take Outstanding Animal Portraits

Animals look good from every angle. Feel free to experiment with different points of view.

The more unusual the angles, the more unique your photos will be.

9. Slightly Desaturate Your Photos to Put the Focus on Your Subject

Some locations are overly colorful. This can make it difficult to make an animal stand out. This doesn’t mean you can’t shoot in those locations.

You can use your editing program to desaturate your entire image. Or you can make specific colors stand out less.

8. Take Funny Photos of Your Pet Sleeping in Its Favourite Place

Funny animal photos are a necessity. One of the most efficient ways to take funny photos is to use your animal’s sleeping patterns as inspiration.

Some animals, especially cats, have unusual sleeping preferences that are the perfect excuse to take great photos.

7. Use a Disposable Camera to Take Amazing Underwater Photos

It’s unlikely that you live in a place with constant access to polar bears. But you can still take impressive underwater photos of different animals.

Disposable underwater cameras cost as little as $15. These can quickly improve your analog photography.

6. Take Enchanting Photos of Your Dog in an Outfit

Sometimes, all you need is a collection of adorable dog photos. Thanks to the uniqueness of different dog outfits, it’s easy to take stunning photos of the same dog.

This will probably not give you photos worthy of being published in National Geographic. But you’ll get better at using light and take some cool Instagram images.

5. Take Funny Closeups Using a Wide-Angle Lens

Another way to make the most of animal photography is to take funny closeups.

To do this, all you need is a wide-angle or macro lens. Use one that will capture both an animal’s eyes and nose.

Get as close to the animal as possible, making sure its eyes are in focus.

4. Improve Your Candid Photography by Going out and Finding Interesting Situations With Animals

Finding unique situations isn’t easy, but it’s definitely a great excuse to spend more time outdoors.

Observe different animals and their quirks. You might come across something as interesting as the sleeping seals in the photo above!

3. Experiment With Different Formats to Make Your Animal Portraits More Interesting

You can make a simple photo look more interesting by cropping or enlarging it. Some photos look better as panoramas. Others look more appealing when they’re cropped.

Experiment with different formats to find a few that enhance your compositions.

2. Convert Your Photos to B&W for Eye-Catching Results

If slight desaturation isn’t enough, you can shoot in, or convert to, black & white.

High contrast photos look even more amazing in b&w. If your photos are flat, make sure you add contrast to them before you convert them to b&w to avoid unflattering results.

1. Capture Your Pet’s Quirks to Make Your Photos Both Adorable and Unique

In addition to having weird sleeping patterns, animals have a bunch of unique quirks.

Photograph your pet carrying unusual things, playing with “toys” that aren’t mean to be played with, and running around in their favorite place.

You can take this further by taking a self-portrait with them!

Animal photography is open to animal lovers of all kinds.

Whether you’re a cat person, a dog lover, or a wildlife photography enthusiast, you can enjoy this genre whichever way you like without missing out.

 

 

 

 

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