How Self-Portraits Made Me a Better Photographer
- Michael Cannon
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
(And Why That's Good News for You)
Back in 2007, I didn't have a lineup of clients or a ton of photography gear. I had a Fujifilm FinePix 2800 and imagination. So, like any photographer with no one else around, I turned the lens on myself.
And that's how my self-portrait journey started. I wanted to practice and figure out what worked, what didn't, and why the light looked great one minute and like a horror movie the next.
Spoiler: I got it wrong a lot.
Lighting disasters. Poses that looked better in my head. Entire sessions ready for the trash. But that was the point. With every, "nope, not that" came a clearer idea of what did work. And all that trial and error turned into something really valuable. Not just for me, but for the people who now put their trust in me to photograph them.
Why Self-Portraits Matter (Even If No One Sees Them)
Those early photos? Some were rough. Like, "who let me do this?" rough. But the thing is, self-portraits gave me space to experiment without pressure. No one was watching. I could try weird angles, strange lighting setups, and ideas. And through all that, I learned.
I learned how to read light and how to pose in a way that looked natural. I learned patience. I learned how to fix a shot with one small adjustment instead of starting from scratch. And I learned what it actually feels like to sit in front of the camera, which, by the way, is wildly different from standing behind it.
2007 - 2009 — Experimenting and figuring it out
Standing in Front of the Lens Taught Me What My Clients Need
Let me tell you something I know for sure: being photographed is vulnerable. Even when it’s just you and a tripod.
Standing in front of the camera helped me understand what most people feel when they step into the studio. Unsure of where to put their hands, worried about looking awkward, not totally convinced they’ll like what they see.
That’s why, when you book a session with me, I don’t just snap a photo and hope for the best. I guide you, adjust you, talk you through what works and why. I know what it feels like to be on the other side, and I never forget that. Every little shift in posture, every subtle tweak in lighting, those are things I practiced on myself so I can make your session as effortless as possible.
Self-Portrait Series, 2024
What This Means for You (Yes, You)
You don’t have to take self-portraits to get good photos. That’s my job. The experimenting, the lighting tests, the weird poses I’ve already ruled out. I’ve done all of that so when you show up, you don’t have to worry about what to do.
You just get to be you. I’ll handle the rest.
If you’ve never had a session where you walked away thinking, “Damn, I actually like those photos of me,” let’s change that. I’ve been on both sides of the camera. I know how to make it feel easy. And yes, I’ll absolutely tell you what to do with your hands. [Read more about why I focus on men's portraiture →]
Self-Portrait Series, 2024
Ready When You Are
If you’re curious what it feels like to be photographed with intention, I’d love to work with you. I’ve practiced this for years so that your session feels natural, relaxed, and honestly, like a damn good time.
