Solo Shots: How I Take Fashion Pictures by Myself

One of my favorite pastimes is styling an outfit simply for the purpose of getting new pictures for my Instagram feed. However, trust me when I say my roommate is getting tired of me dragging her around campus to take a hundred photos. The obvious solution to this issue is finding a way to take pictures of myself solo; here’s how you can, too.

First, make sure you have the right supplies for taking your own photos. There are some essentials you will definitely need if you’re planning to go out and take your own pictures; thankfully, they’re super affordable.

1. A Tripod

I love my tripod and honestly wouldn’t know what to do without it. I have switched over to taking pictures on my phone completely, so I have an iPhone tripod. I would recommend one that compacts very small so you can stick it in your purse and go. You can find them on Amazon for under $20.

2. Download the App Lens Buddy

The Lens Buddy app is totally free and has made taking pictures a trillion times easier because it allows you to set custom timers and capture intervals. This saves so much time and allows you to take a handful of photos back-to-back. The app also lets you easily sift through your pics before you put them in your camera roll. That way you don't end up having dozens of unwanted photos in your roll.

Additionally, it’s so important to have a plan before you go to take pictures so you can take all factors into account. Choosing the right place and time can make or break pictures.

3. Picking a Location

Location is super important to plan out so you have a good sense of the aesthetic ahead of time. I typically go places around campus within walking distance such as a parking garage or a cute staircase, but whatever suits your style is perfect.

4. Choosing the Perfect Time of Day

Lighting is so important. Make sure you know what direction the sunlight is coming from for your pictures so you can get the best exposure. If it’s noon or the middle of the night, it might not be the best time to go out for pictures.

Finally, I have taken note of specific tips that help you look your best when taking the actual pictures, because this is probably the most difficult and time-consuming part for me. Here’s what I do when everything is set up and ready to go.

5. Switch Up Your Poses and Angles

I’m a pretty bad poser, which is why it takes me two hundred shots to get five good ones. When I take pictures, I try to change poses constantly to capture natural movements. It also helps to interact with your environment and work with props. Oftentimes, I’ll bring a purse to swing just to get more movement in my pictures. I would also recommend trying different angles until you find the one that suits you.

6. Have Fun With It!

Taking pictures in public can be intimidating, but trust me, it gets so much easier with time. If you feel uncomfortable taking pictures around a lot of people, I would recommend starting off by finding places with limited traffic, playing music, and just having fun.