How To Use A Tripod For Self Portraits

Last Updated on April 5, 2021

Interested in taking better self portraits? We’ll show you how to do it the easy way! All you need is a tripod and some patience. Luckily, you won’t find many other resources for this kind of photography, so we’ll do our best to explain everything.

Simple Steps To Better Self Portraits With A Tripod

barista at coffee shop

First, set up your tripod in a central location with good lighting.

Next, position it at a height or angle that’s comfortable for you. With most tripods, this means adjusting the legs until you find a level surface that is two or three feet off the ground but still allowing room for your camera’s lens when tilted upwards slightly.

Once the tripod is properly positioned, find a way to keep it from moving around. While it may seem odd since you’ll be taking a self portrait on the tripod, you need to have everything in place for what comes next.

To start taking your self portrait, you’ll first want to take a few standard photos of yourself in your surroundings. Don’t forget to change poses, expressions and outfits if necessary!
This will come in handy for compositing your final images together later.

Next, you’ll want to position yourself in front of the tripod. When you’re ready, place your camera as close to eye level as possible and look through the lens.

Adjust your clothing, hair, expression and pose for a few seconds until you find a pose that you like. Then start taking pictures every few seconds until you’ve taken about 10 shots.

Do I Need To Use A Remote Camera Trigger For Self Portraits?

Any device that allows you to remotely trigger your camera is a good tool! We have a full tutorial on how to use a remote camera trigger with a self portrait photography. It’s quite simple, though it may seem odd at first!

What Type Of Tripod Works Best For Self Portraiture?

Any tripod will work, but a heavier tripod will keep your camera steadier when it comes time to take a picture. We’ll show you a few options below!

What’s The Best Tripod For Self Portraits?

The Oben AC-1404 is easily one of the best tripods on the market today. It’s compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry anywhere while supporting up to 17.6 pounds. It also comes with a bubble level which makes it perfect for self portraits!

This tripod may be better for users who travel often or use their camera frequently outside of home.

The Manfrotto 190 is a more affordable alternative that’s great for photographers on a budget. It’s lightweight but sturdy and comes with multiple mounting options, allowing you to find the right spot for your camera in no time at all.

This tripod may be better for photographers who will be shooting many self portraits over time or when they’re traveling.

The AmazonBasics 60-Inch Lightweight Tripod may be the best option for users on a tight budget. It supports up to 8.8 pounds and folds down to fit in small bags with ease.

This tripod may be better for users who are shooting many self portraits outside of a controlled environment, such as using it at a concert or going on vacation somewhere.

Conclusion

There you have it! All you need is a tripod and some patience to take some great self portraits! Keep practicing and feel free to share your results in the comments below!