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Photography Project Idea – Portraits of Me
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Photography Project Idea – Portraits of Me

Last year around this time, I sent one of my besties, Megan Cieloha, a text “Hey, we should start taking self portraits again.” See in 2010 we each did a Project 365 and each Monday we took a self portrait.

Not only did it improve my photography to learn how to take shots that you are in but I had photos of me.

So, we decided to start a weekly photography project – Portraits of Me.

In 2016, we simply challenged women to get in front of the camera each week and post their photo on Monday and hashtag #portraitsofme.

What a joy it was to see women hoping in front of the camera.

All too often we are the ones behind the camera and don’t hand it over or get in it. Then when our children are flipping through photo albums we are no where to be seen unless it was a big event.

I wanted my children to have photos of me in their everyday lives. I was there.

Megan and I decided to do this again and hope you will join us.

We will also be providing prompts. You can participate in the prompt or do your own thing.

So here’s how to join:

  • No.
    01
    Follow @megancieloha & @clickitupanotch on IG

    We will be posting the themes for each week on our Instagram accounts each week. Therefore, you will want to follow both of us so you don’t miss out on the prompts.

    Megan Cieloha – @megancieloha
    Courtney Slazinik – @clickitupanotch

  • No.
    02
    Get in front of the camera

    Each week get in front of the camera.

    You can set it up on a tripod or any sturdy surface.

    Feel free to use the prompts we provide each week or create your own unique photo.

  • No.
    03
    Post your photo on Monday

    You do not have to take your photo on Monday but you do want to post it on Monday.

    Feel free to take your photo anytime during the week.

    I know personally, if I waited until Monday it would get away from me and I would miss a week.

    Post your photo onto Instagram.

    *If you aren’t sure how to get your DSLR images onto your IG account here is what I do.
    1. Upload photo into Dropbox
    2. Open Dropbox app on my phone
    3. Save image to my phone
    4. Upload image to IG.

  • No.
    04
    Hashtag #portraitsofme

    Make sure to add the hashtag #portraitsofme to your post so we can see your photos and encourage each other through the year.

  • No.
    05
    Sweet talk a friend to join you

    Remember, this whole project started between two friends. Each week one of those two friends had to text the other one to remind her it was Monday (cough, cough, I always forgot).

    Projects are more fun when you do it with a friend and then you can hold each other accountable.

Give yourself some grace.

If you miss a week. Who cares. Pick up your camera and join us the next week.

I missed more weeks than I care to mention last year but I didn’t quit.

This is more than a photo project
As I mentioned earlier, this is more than a way to improve your photos. You are capturing your life and proving you were there. Read more about there from one of the photographers who joined us last year, Virginia Greuloch.

Check out some of Megan & my favorite self portraits from last year

Megan Cieloha





Courtney Slazinik






Need tips for your self portrait?

Self portrait – Get in front of the camera
Self portraits made easy

15 Comments
  • Caitlin
    January 2, 2017 at 6:42 PM

    Excuse my ignorance but I have a few questions on how to do this.. How exactly do you set up the self portrait? With a timer or do you have a remote? How do you make sure the focus is right etc?

    • January 3, 2017 at 1:13 PM

      Not a bad question :) I added some tutorials to the bottom of the post for you.

      • Caitlin
        January 5, 2017 at 2:49 AM

        Thanks! Will check them out

  • Lori
    January 3, 2017 at 10:55 AM

    Beautiful photos. I second Caitlin’s request for how-to, or a link if this is already done. I have a remote but don’t really know how to get a good shot from it, so it sits in the box.

    • January 3, 2017 at 1:14 PM

      Added a couple of tutorials for you at the bottom of the post. Hope they help :)

  • Erica Davel
    January 3, 2017 at 12:59 PM

    I have the same questions as Caitlin and Lori. I’m very interested but not the least bit sure HOW to do it.

    • January 3, 2017 at 1:14 PM

      Glad you are going to join in! I added some tutorials to the bottom of the post :)

      • Debra
        January 15, 2017 at 9:39 PM

        Courtney – Where are the tutorials? I can’t seem to locate them.

        • January 16, 2017 at 5:39 PM

          There are two linked underneath all the photos. Or you can search “self portraits” in the search bar to find some as well :)

  • Lizzi
    January 3, 2017 at 1:13 PM

    I am so excited to do this! It’s pitiful how many photos I’m in!

  • Felicia
    January 4, 2017 at 10:13 AM

    I like the idea, but to be honest, I don’t like IG… :(
    Do you think it would still be possible to get the prompts? I would really appreciate it!

  • January 6, 2017 at 3:37 PM

    […] Not bad at all for only 4.25 years old!THREE. I joined in on a photography challenge this year- Click It Up a Notch’s #portraitsofme. It seemed like something new and fun to do (plus, I am notoriously good at not getting in photos, […]

  • Marcia
    January 6, 2017 at 9:20 PM

    I haven’t used instagram, so went to the App Store to download the app. There are several different choices. Could you tell me what your icon looks like? My sister and I are doing 365 and I think this self portrait would be a nice addition. I appreciate your help!

  • Katie
    January 7, 2017 at 11:29 AM

    I started another 52 week project, but hope to do this one in tandem. Thanks for challenge and the prompts!

    Katie @ Freckled Latte

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