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How to Create & Print Photos of Yourself

Taking your own picture -- also referred to as a "self-portrait," -- has been practiced by amateur and professional photographers for years. Digital cameras make it easier for you to see if your self-portrait was successful by allowing you to review the picture right after you take it. If you need to take your own picture and print it for personal or business use, you can do so at home with the right camera equipment, a suitable setting, a computer and a photo printer.

Things You'll Need

Digital camera
Tripod
External flash
Stool
Computer
Image editing software
Photo printer
Photo paper

Instructions

- 1
  Find a location that has a plain wall you can use as your background. The wall can be beige or have bolder colors on it; just make sure there are not pictures or other items hanging on the wall. Removing them first will give your picture a more professional look, and the portrait will look like it was taken in a studio.
- 2
  Position a stool two to three feet in front of the wall. Attach your camera to the tripod and position the tripod three to four feet in front of the stool.
- 3
  Attach the external flash to your camera and adjust the flash head so it is directed towards the ceiling. This technique is called "bounce flash," and it creates a more natural light effect. If you do not have a flash with a bounce head, tape a piece of white paper to the front of the flash; this will act as a diffuser to soften the light.
- 4
  Turn your camera on and focus on the front of the stool. When the camera is in focus, turn the autofocus off by sliding the "AF/MF" switch to "MF." Reposition the camera so you will be in the picture. Activate the camera's "Self Timer" mode by turning the power switch to the icon that looks like a small clock. Depending on your camera, this feature may also be in the camera's menu settings.
- 5
  Press the shutter release and then position yourself on the stool. After the picture has been taken, review the picture and make any necessary adjustments to your position or the camera's settings. Take a few pictures so you have a few to choose from.
- 6
  Remove the memory card from the camera and insert it into your computer. If you don't have a memory card slot on your computer, you can purchase an external memory card reader that plugs into a USB port. After inserting your memory card, upload the pictures from the photo shoot to your computer. Review the pictures, select the best one and open it in a photo editing program.
- 7
  Select the crop tool and crop your picture until you are pleased with the final look. Adjust the exposure and color in the picture, then save the image, but do not close it.
- 8
  Click "File" in the navigation bar and select "Print preview" from the drop-down menu. Review the settings for the printer you are using, confirm there is photo paper loaded into the printer, and click "Print" to print out the photo of yourself.

Photography