Self Portraits, or selfies as they're more commonly known nowadays, are incredibly popular styles of photography but they've not to a point where they're all a bit samey - hold your smartphone at a high-ish angle, apply a filter, strike a pose, pout and hit the shutter button. To help bring a fresh perspective to your selfies, the COOPH team have got together to share 7 creative self-portrait tips. 

Now, some do take a bit of set-up but the results are pretty cool so the effort does equal reward! 

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First up is a self-portrait in the 'rain' where the team use a window, indoors, to capture a moody self-portrait which looks like you're contemplating the world. The team talk through the light set-up and how they use a smartphone app to trigger the camera so you don't need to ask someone else to assist you. Another 'reflection' theme they share is a little more amusing as it involves a water tank, some goggles and a swimming cap - watch the video, it will make sense. 

Up next is using your lens for a bit of refraction photography so you appear upside down inside the lens (you can flip the photo in Photoshop so you end up the right way around). Don't have any lenses? You can do the same thing with your smartphone. 

The typical 'photographer with a camera' pose is touched on but given a twist by using a car mirror before the COOPH team move on to framing where hands are used to frame the face. 

Tip number 5 is all about playing with analogue cameras/film while tip number 6 looks at the classic double/long exposure technique. 

The final tip is about giving your self-portraits a theme so get creative and think a bit outside of the box as the COOPH team did by heading outside in their dressing gowns. 

Looking For More Portrait Photography Tips?

Head over to our technique section where you'll find articles such as '12 Top Portrait Photography Tutorials For You To Peruse Today', '3 Top Outdoor Portrait Photography Tips' and '8 Top Portrait Photography Tips That Use Just One Light'.

All photos © COOPH