I. The "Golden" Rules (Broken):
* NOT Checking Your Settings:
* Scenario: You press the shutter button with the self-timer set, dash into position, and then realize the ISO is cranked up to 25600, the aperture is f/22, and the white balance is set to "Tungsten."
* Result: A noisy, underexposed, and horribly color-cast image.
* Avoid: Don't assume your last settings are appropriate. Always double-check!
* NOT Focusing (On Yourself):
* Scenario: You're in front of a beautiful background, but you forget to either pre-focus on the spot where you'll be standing *or* use a focus point that's in your zone.
* Result: The brick wall behind you is razor-sharp, and you're a blurry ghost.
* Avoid: Either pre-focus using an object and setting the focus to manual, or use a very high aperture.
* NOT Considering Lighting:
* Scenario: You stand with the sun directly behind you, creating a silhouette. Or you're in deep shadow, making you nearly invisible.
* Result: A completely blown out background and underexposed foreground.
* Avoid: Be mindful of the light source. Even lighting is generally best, or soft, diffused light. Avoid harsh backlighting without fill flash (which is tricky with a self-timer).
* NOT Considering Composition:
* Scenario: You don't leave enough space around yourself in the frame, or you're positioned awkwardly. You're half-cut-off or smack-dab in the dead center.
* Result: An unbalanced and visually unappealing image.
* Avoid: Think about the rule of thirds, leading lines, and how you fill the frame.
* NOT Planning Your Pose (or Expression):
* Scenario: You freeze up at the last second, resulting in a deer-in-the-headlights expression or a stiff, uncomfortable pose.
* Result: You will look very uncomfortable.
* Avoid: Have a general idea of what you want to do. Practice your pose and facial expression beforehand. Consider actions instead of static poses.
II. The "Technical" Fails:
* NOT Using a Tripod (or Stable Surface):
* Scenario: You balance your camera precariously on a wobbly stack of books.
* Result: A blurry image due to camera shake, or worse, a toppled camera.
* Avoid: Use a tripod whenever possible. If not, find a *very* stable and level surface.
* NOT Setting the Timer Long Enough (or Too Long):
* Scenario: You set the timer for 2 seconds, sprint to your spot, and get a picture of yourself mid-sprint. Or you set it for 20 seconds, giving you way too much time to stand there awkwardly.
* Result: Either a missed shot or an awkward, self-conscious photo.
* Avoid: Experiment with different timer lengths to find what works for you.
* NOT Hiding the Remote/Phone:
* Scenario: Holding the phone in a super awkward and visible way, showing that this is a selfie
* Result: Looks staged and uncomfortable
* Avoid: Figure out how to hide the phone/remote.
* NOT Cleaning the Lens:
* Scenario: Taking a picture with something visible on the lens.
* Result: Visible smudge or dirt.
* Avoid: Clean the lens.
III. The "Environmental" Errors:
* NOT Being Aware of Your Surroundings:
* Scenario: You're so focused on your shot that you don't notice the car speeding towards you, the passersby gawking at you, or the dangerous drop-off behind you.
* Result: A dangerous situation, a ruined shot (by photobombers), or both.
* Avoid: Be aware of your environment! Safety first.
* NOT Considering the Background:
* Scenario: You strike a cool pose in front of a dumpster or a construction site.
* Result: A distracting and unattractive background.
* Avoid: Pay attention to what's behind you! Choose a background that complements your subject.
IV. The "Final Touch" Blunders:
* NOT Reviewing the Image Immediately:
* Scenario: You take a few shots and pack up without reviewing them on the camera's LCD screen.
* Result: You get home and realize that *all* the shots are out of focus, poorly composed, or have some other fatal flaw.
* Avoid: Take a moment to review the image on the camera screen. Zoom in to check focus, composition, and exposure. Adjust and retake if needed.
* NOT Editing/Cropping (if Necessary):
* Scenario: You post the unedited, straight-from-the-camera image, flaws and all.
* Result: A missed opportunity to make the image even better.
* Avoid: Basic editing can go a long way! Cropping, adjusting exposure, contrast, and color can significantly improve the final result.
In short, the key to a bad self-timer portrait is to be unprepared, inattentive, and careless. Do the opposite of all these things, and you'll be well on your way to capturing a great self-timer shot!