Self, Composed - The Art of Self-Portraiture

Whether you're a content creator, business owner, artist, or just someone who wants better photos of themselves — this course is here to empower you.

A self-portrait isn’t just about what you look like. It’s about who you are, how you feel, what you’re trying to say, and how you want to be remembered—or understood.

Whether you’re using a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or just your smartphone, the most important tool is your eye, not your equipment.

Shooting solo means your gear becomes your assistant — so let’s talk about the three tools that will make your life a lot easier.

Your space doesn’t have to be perfect — it just has to work for you. The best backdrop is the one that lets you shine through.

What we’ve covered and key takeaways.

Lighting is everything in photography — and self-portraits are no exception. It’s the difference between a flat, dull shot and one that feels alive and intentional.

(My personal Pinterest boards are included).

There’s no perfect time — only the right light for the mood you’re creating. Get to know the natural rhythm of light in your space, and let it guide your shoot.

You don’t need expensive gear to light yourself beautifully — you just need to understand how light behaves and learn how to shape it with intention.

What we’ve covered and key takeaways.

The camera sees differently than our eyes do. Slight changes in angle, posture, and camera height can dramatically affect the emotion, energy, and aesthetic of a self-portrait.

Angles are just one part of the picture — posing well is about flow, shape, and energy.

Create a series of 3–5 self-portraits that focus on body shapes. The goal isn’t to reveal, but to express — through light, shape and texture.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with clothes in ways you wouldn’t wear them day to day. Styling for self-portraits is about visual impact, texture, and storytelling — not practicality.

Choose three different outfits using only what you already have at home. For each one, focus on a different mood or energy.

Good composition makes your self-portraits feel intentional and visually strong — even if you're just shooting in a corner of your bedroom. Here are a few simple but powerful techniques to elevate your shots.

What we’ve covered and key takeaways

You’ve done the creative work — styled, posed, and captured your image. Now it’s time to bring it to life with editing that enhances your vision, without hiding what makes it powerful.

Having a consistent style makes your work instantly recognisable and gives your portraits a signature feel. But don’t overthink it, consistency doesn’t mean every image looks exactly the same. It’s about creating a mood that flows through your work.

Edit with Intention — Choose one of your self-portraits and edit it using only the tools or apps recommended in this module.

Editing should enhance your photo, not erase its soul. It’s easy to get caught up in smoothing, reshaping, and tweaking — especially when you are editing yourself. But trust me: your uniqueness is the magic.

What we’ve covered and key takeaways.

Sharing your self-portraits online can be exciting, vulnerable, and empowering all at once. Whether you're building a personal brand or just putting your art out into the world, Instagram is a great platform to connect, grow, and be seen — but a few mindful practices can make all the difference.

While Instagram is often the go-to platform for photographers and creatives, it’s not the only option. Each platform has its own vibe, audience, and creative potential.

What we’ve covered and key takeaways.

Congratulations on completing the course!