Becoming the Subject: Tips for Styling and Posing in Conceptual Self-Portraits

Self-portraits are a powerful form of self-expression. They allow you to step behind and in front of the camera, crafting a narrative that's entirely your own. Conceptual self-portraits, where the subject tells a deeper story through symbolism and artistic choices, take this idea to the next level. One compelling way to create a meaningful self-portrait is by literally becoming the art—using a picture frame as a prop to blur the line between subject and artwork.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through how to style and pose yourself as the subject in a conceptual self-portrait, like my recent project where I posed with an empty frame, surrounded by art and fruit, to represent myself as part of a classic art composition. Here's how you can create your own artistic self-portraits and truly embody your concept.

 

Check out my Amazon storefront for the supplies used in this photoshoot

 

1. Start with a Clear Concept

Before you begin styling or posing, it’s important to solidify your concept. Ask yourself: What story do you want to tell? How can you symbolize your role within the image?

In my self-portrait, I wanted to represent the idea of being a "work of art." The empty picture frame served as both a literal and metaphorical prop—framing me as part of the art, while also breaking free from the boundaries of the frame itself. Surrounding myself with classical elements, like fruit, added to the idea that I was stepping out of an old-world art piece.

Tip: When choosing a concept, consider what personal or creative themes resonate with you. Your concept can be as simple as highlighting your personality or as complex as symbolizing something abstract like time, growth, or identity.

2. Select Props That Reinforce Your Narrative

Props play a major role in conceptual self-portraits, helping to reinforce the theme and bring your story to life. In my shoot, I used:

• An empty picture frame: This allowed me to "break out" of the art, making myself both the subject and the artist.
• Art in the background: The art hanging behind me mirrored the frame I was holding, creating a layered effect where I appeared to step out from one piece of art into another.
• Fruit on the table: This is a classic element of still life paintings, which added depth and helped complete the scene of a timeless artwork.

Tip: Think about how your props can symbolize or support the story you're telling. If you're creating a conceptual piece where you are the subject, choose props that add meaning. They can be as simple or elaborate as you like—just make sure they align with your concept.

3. Styling Yourself as the Subject

Once you've decided on your concept and props, it's time to style yourself. Since you're the focal point, your clothing, hair, and makeup should contribute to the overall theme of the portrait.

For my self-portrait, I chose classic, neutral-toned clothing that wouldn’t distract from the art elements. I wanted to blend into the scene and let the framing and props shine. Here are a few tips on how to style yourself:

• Clothing: Choose something that complements the mood of your portrait. For a timeless or classic feel, opt for neutral colors or vintage-inspired pieces. If you want a modern, edgy look, go bold with patterns or colors.
• Hair and Makeup: Keep your hair and makeup consistent with the theme of the shoot. If you’re channeling an old-world art vibe, soft, natural makeup and loosely styled hair will complement the overall aesthetic. If the portrait calls for drama, experiment with bold makeup and structured hair.
• Accessories: Minimal accessories can enhance the concept without overshadowing it. For example, in my portrait, I kept the accessories simple, as the frame and background were the stars of the shot.

Tip: Your styling should help you blend into the environment or stand out depending on the story. You don’t want to wear anything that clashes with your concept, so choose pieces that enhance your narrative.

 

4. Pose with Intention

Posing is where you truly embody the concept of the self-portrait. How you position yourself in the frame can change the entire mood of the photo. In my shoot, I wanted to give the illusion that I was part of the artwork, so I positioned myself "popping out" of the frame, creating a playful, yet thoughtful, composition.

Here are a few tips for posing in conceptual self-portraits:

• Use your props to guide your poses: In my portrait, the empty frame gave me direction for my pose. I held it at an angle, ensuring that my body language conveyed the idea of stepping out of the art.
• Practice different facial expressions: Your expression should match the tone of the photo. For example, I chose a neutral, calm expression that blended with the classic art theme. A more abstract or surreal portrait might call for exaggerated or more intense expressions.
• Experiment with movement: Don’t be afraid to add a sense of movement to your poses. Even subtle gestures like a tilt of the head or the way you hold a prop can add emotion and depth to the image.

Tip: Take several shots from different angles and try various poses to see what feels most natural and aligns with your concept. Since you’re the photographer and the subject, using a tripod and remote shutter or timer will give you flexibility to adjust between shots.

5. Play with Lighting to Set the Mood

Lighting can elevate your portrait and enhance your concept. For my self-portrait, I used soft, natural lighting to mimic the gentle light often seen in classical paintings. This helped create a harmonious, timeless feel.

• Natural Light: If you're going for a soft and natural aesthetic, shooting near a window or outdoors during golden hour will give your portrait a beautiful, warm glow.
• Artificial Light: If you want to experiment with more dramatic shadows or highlights, using portable lighting or even household lamps can add contrast and mood to your shot.

Tip: Lighting can dramatically change the look of your portrait. Play around with shadows, highlights, and diffused light to create the desired atmosphere for your photo.

Final Thoughts

Creating conceptual self-portraits allows you to craft a story where you are both the artist and the subject. By carefully choosing your concept, props, styling, and poses, you can elevate your self-portraits into a true work of art. Whether you're using a picture frame to literally frame yourself or choosing elements to symbolize your narrative, the possibilities for creative expression are endless.

 

Product Recommendations:

• Photography Equipment: Cameras & Lenses for Self-Portraits
• Props: Picture Frames & Art Supplies for Shoots
• Lighting: Portable Lighting for Indoor Photography
• Fashion: Timeless Clothing & Accessories for Conceptual Photoshoots

By following these tips, you can create self-portraits that truly reflect your creativity, capturing yourself not just as a subject but as a work of art.