Today, right before running errands, I attempted to take outfit photos with my camera’s self-timer.
My li’l pink point ‘n’ shoot has a 10 second timer. This allows me 10 seconds to prop the camera up on the seat of my bicycle, run across a few feet of snowy grass, turn around, steady myself, and try to look casual. Balancing the camera alone takes about 4 seconds:
First attempt. Close! This self-timer stuff isn’t so tough. (Note to self: Skip a step next time by running backwards.)
Not perfect, one more shot should do it…
#^&**@^#%$!!!!!
Oh look, dirty boot-prints from all this running back and forth. Glad that was captured for posterity.
At this point, Mr. Jaunty came outside to see why I wasn’t ready for erranding. He took this photo:
…but it’s not over between us, self-timer. I know where you sleep.
cardigan – Old Navy. Poor quality, not recommended
skirt – Mossimo via Savers
boots – Payless
belt – no label, second-hand
tights – Dollar Tree, later dyed brown
necklace – can’t remember brand name, via Ross
ring – no name, via Spirit Winds cafe
(unseen: fancy, fancy underwear)
Hey, I’ve owned everything but that cardigan since New Mexico! Nifty.
Do you ever take outfit photos? Can you share any self-portrait tips?
(Also, could anyone use a denim pencil skirt? The tag says size 2, but I’d call it a 4. I never wear this skirt, it wrinkles so badly across my wide lap. Seriously, any takers?)
Great outfit! Love the turquoise accents.
I lived in Buffalo last time I took an outfit shot. Those were for you :) I should do it more because they ARE fun. I forget about these things being a photographer. Also my perfectionism has gotten all out of control with such things…
Balancing a camera on a bike sounds EXTREMELY hard.. I would try finding a place with a flat surface, bringing a stool outside, or investing in something like an octopus (link) camera mount so at least,-if you must use a bike,–you can secure it well enough that all you have to do is tap the button which should, maybe, give you some extra time to get into position? I DO like to see your outfit shots, so if a system to make it easier translated into more outfit shots… well that would be great ^_^
http://www.amazon.com/Xtreme-Black-Octopus-Grip-Small/dp/B003VJ4HVA/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1295500567&sr=1-2-fkmr2
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I LOVE the second photo of you!
I used to take my self-portraits by balancing my camera on a Cheerios box atop a bar stool. The best advice I can give? Get a tripod. I have two, both of which my dad snagged at yard sales, so look around – cheap ones are out there. A lot of people swear by camera remotes, too, which minimizes the crazy running.
Or just bribe the gallant Mr. Jaunty to always be your photographer!
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I always take my own photos. I have one of those flexible Joby mini-tripods (google “Gorillapod”, I think). I set my camera across the room from me (about 10 feet away) on a shelf so it’s stable. I turn on every light in the room. I do use the flash. My camera has a ten second timer and will then take three shots.
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hahaha the self-timer is such a bitch! That’s what I use. I have no tips. After all this time I still come out with more terrible photos than good ones. I wish I could get a remote but my camera isn’t fancy enough for that!
By the way I really like this outfit. I think the belt/sash makes it!
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Looking good, Jaunty Dame! I like the color combo, and that all of your outfit is a collection of memories rather than a trip-to-the-mall single-store ensemble. It has character. And good detail…the lace tights juxtaposed with a denim skirt and the teal necklace and boots bookending the taupes. It’s very symmetrical. And the belt color in contrast to the dark denim. Well played, ma’am!
I wish I could fit into the denim pencil skirt…alas, my number is higher.
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Love it :) The first one looks like you’re ice skating!
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greyloon – You can send me outfit photos! I love seeing your style evolve, and I promise not to judge your photography. Hell, like I’d even know how.
That octopus tripod is strangely endearing— but I’ll try a stool first, that’s free.
Katie – Will keep my eyes open for a tripod or box of Cheerios. Gallant as he can be, Mr. Jaunty has little patience for outfit photos, and I’m always nervous and fidgety when someone takes my picture. This is definitely an area for declaring my independence.
Cynthia- There are a TON of gorillapods on Amazon, thank you! Our place has no good photo spots, but I like that tree out back— plus, outdoor shots give me an idea what my coloring and makeup look like to the outside world.
Kelly – Ha! My camera’s too old and cheap for a remote, too.
In person, this outfit felt very va-va-voom— probably because I could see the plum lace bra barely, barely hidden by the cardigan. On film, the outfit says more “don’t mind me, I’m cute ‘n’ harmless.” Which is a useful thing to communicate sometimes, I suppose.
The sash DOES make it. Totally agree.
Angela Damn, woman, I’m dazzled by your thoughtful analysis. I was mostly just wearing the last of my clean clothes. =)
Annie – I was skating! The snow had a slick “crust” on top, I would slide until my weight broke through the snow.
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