How a Studio Photographer Captures Her Own Portraits

As a professional studio photographer specialising in portraiture and creative studio photography, you might think I’m always behind the camera. But there’s something incredibly fulfilling about stepping in front of the lens and creating my own portraits. It’s a powerful way to connect with my craft on a personal level, and it gives me a fresh perspective on the experience I provide to my clients. Today, I’m sharing my process for capturing my own portraits and offering some insight into the artistry behind self portraiture.


Why Self Portraits Matter


Self portraits aren’t just about having a nice photo of yourself; they’re an exploration of creative self-portrait photography and its many benefits. For me, they’re a way to express creativity, refine techniques, and explore new ideas. As a studio photographer specialising in maternity photography, I’m always looking for ways to challenge myself artistically. Creating my own portraits allows me to experiment with lighting, poses, and backdrops in a deeply personal way. Plus, it’s a fantastic opportunity to step into my clients’ shoes and understand what it feels like to be on the other side of the camera.


The Planning Stage


Every great portrait, especially in self portrait photography, starts with a vision. When I’m planning my own self portraits, I think about the mood I want to convey, the colours I’ll use, and the overall composition. I often lean into a fine art aesthetic, which aligns with my photography style. My canvas backdrops from Zoom Backdrops play a crucial role in creating that timeless, elegant look.


Choosing the right outfit is just as important as setting the scene. I gravitate toward elegant, timeless attire that complements the fine art aesthetic. For example, I often choose a sophisticated black dress with intricate details, paired with minimal yet striking accessories. This approach enhances the mood and draws attention to the emotion and story within the portrait.

Setting the Scene


One of the biggest advantages of working in my studio is the control I have over studio lighting for self portraits. My large, non-transportable studio lights are perfect for creating dramatic effects and highlighting textures. When setting up, I use the same meticulous attention to detail that I apply to client sessions. Every element—from the direction of the light to the placement of the light—is carefully considered.


To frame myself within the shot, I rely on a sturdy studio camera stand from Manfrotto and a remote shutter release by Canon. This setup allows me to experiment with angles and poses without feeling rushed. Sometimes, it takes dozens of frames to capture the perfect shot, but that’s part of the creative process.


Getting Comfortable in Front of the Camera


Being both the photographer and the subject can initially feel a bit awkward. To ease into the process, I rely on my experience and instincts, which guide me in positioning myself and the camera. While it's not always perfect on the first try, I make sure to walk back and forth to adjust as needed. Years of practice have honed my ability to visualise the frame and pose naturally, ensuring that the final image captures both authenticity and emotion.

Post Processing Magic


Editing is where the magic truly happens in post processing self portraits. I approach post processing for my self portraits with the same care as I do for my clients’ images. This includes fine tuning the exposure, enhancing the colours, and retouching any imperfections. My goal is to create a finished piece that not only looks beautiful but also feels authentic to who I am.

Final Thoughts


Capturing your own portrait as a studio photographer is both challenging and rewarding. It’s a unique opportunity to celebrate your artistry, experiment with new techniques, and deepen your connection to your craft. Whether you’re a photographer looking to try self portraiture or someone curious about the process, I hope this glimpse into my approach inspires you to explore the beauty of stepping in front of the lens.


Self portraits remind me why I fell in love with photography in the first place: the ability to tell stories and create something timeless. They’re not just images; they’re reflections of growth, creativity, and passion.

Couple in elegant black formal attire pose together on dark background in studio portrait.
Professional portrait in sophisticated all-black attire with textured blazer against a dark dramatic backdrop.
Dramatic portrait of black ballgown against textured grey background in studio setting.
Vintage-inspired black evening dress with sweetheart neckline in moody studio lighting.
Classic black ballgown with strapless neckline photographed against dark backdrop.
A man in a formal black sparkly blazer and black shirt poses for a moody studio portrait against a dark background.
A woman in a black corset dress poses against a dark backdrop while running her hand through long dark hair.
Portrait of a man in a sleek black suit and tie standing against a grey studio background.
A figure in a black retro-style dress poses elegantly against a textured gray backdrop in a studio portrait.
A couple in elegant black attire poses together against a grey studio backdrop for a romantic portrait session.
Figure in an elegant black strapless evening gown with full skirt poses gracefully against a grey backdrop.
Artistic portrait of a couple in formal black attire posing dramatically in a studio setting.
Moody fashion portrait of a couple in elegant black evening wear against a dark studio backdrop.
Dramatic studio portrait of a couple in all-black formal attire posed against a textured grey wall.
Elegant couple poses in all black attire featuring a strapless ballgown and tailored suit against a textured gray backdrop.
Glamorous portrait of a woman in a black ball gown with flowing dark hair against grey backdrop.
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A dramatic studio portrait of someone in a black suit standing confidently against a dark textured backdrop.
Dramatic portrait in dark tones featuring a person in a black formal dress against a moody gray background.
A figure in a black vintage-style dress poses dramatically against a dark textured backdrop in moody lighting.
Professional studio shot of a man wearing an all-black suit with hands in pockets.
Portrait of someone wearing an elegant off-shoulder black ballgown dress in front of a dark grey backdrop.
Elegant couple in matching black formal wear pose together against a grey studio backdrop for a romantic photoshoot.
An elegant couple in black formal attire pose against a textured grey backdrop in a dramatic studio portrait.
A couple in formal black attire poses together against a grey studio backdrop for an elegant portrait session.
A woman in an elegant black strapless gown stands barefoot against a dark dramatic backdrop in a studio setting.
A figure in an elegant black vintage-style dress poses against a textured gray backdrop in a moody studio portrait.
Moody studio portrait of a well-dressed person in a black textured suit jacket against a dark background.