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The Right Way to Travel, Weekly Photo Tip
March 26, 2008
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ME, MYSELF, AND I
By Shelly Perry in Portland, OR

As photographers, we use visual imagery to communicate our view of everything around us -- our unique perspectives of the world.

Some, like me, choose other people as their specialist subject.  Others focus more on objects, landscapes, food, animals, abstracts, you name it. As we're always turning our cameras outward, the self portrait is one of the rarer subject specialties among photographers. 

Most of us are far more comfortable behind the camera than in front. So, in an effort to expand your horizons, this month's photo challenge theme is "Me, Myself, and I."  Yes, you guessed it: I'm looking for an engaging self portrait from you. 

This does not mean a standard shot of your face.  Though you might think of a self portrait as...

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a photo that includes your likeness -- your body or your face -- you can still shoot a self portrait without including your face at all.  The challenge is to show who you are without including yourself, or including only part of your face or body.

For example, I have done self portraits that included nothing more than my feet, the back of my head, a shadow, my whole self shrouded with just my feet and hands visible... self portraits can be some of the most difficult photos to take, and the most rewarding.

The trick to the self portrait is to be creative.  Set the camera up on a tripod or in some other sturdy position.  Grab your camera remote...or set the timer and run into position. Some people use mirrors or shoot their own shadows.  You could also include objects that represent who you are. 

There are many ways to convey your personal message of "Me, Myself, and I." Be as creative as you can!

Submissions for April's challenge are due by 8:00 a.m. EST on Monday, April 28th.  You can submit your photos by clicking on the "Enter to Win" tab on our website: http://www.thephotographerslife.com.
 
Details about this month's prizes (the first-place winner gets to choose one of three items) are here: http://www.thephotographerslife.com/this_weeks_theme 

Look for a list of March winners in next week's Photo Tip.
 
[EDITOR'S NOTE: Shelly Perry from Portland, Oregon specializes in people photography, what she calls documentary or lifestyle portraits.  She is known especially for her imaging of children. Her concern for people is reflected both in her sense of purpose and the images she produces.  Her images have been seen all over the globe on music CD covers, books, magazines, catalogues, websites, ad campaigns, and even on TV. Her work has also appeared in several local exhibits and gallery shows.

To learn more about how you can turn your pictures into cash, visit:
 http://www.thephotographerslife.com/phc/ac/website ]

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