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Ready to Practice?

This guide helps you create clear, calm self-portraits — not selfies — even if you’ve never done this before. You’ll set up light, choose a simple space, and shoot a few gentle poses.

Important: This is a practice tool. It’s not a modeling test, a performance, or a “reveal.” Wear what feels right. Stop anytime. You stay in control.

If you complete this practice and want feedback, you’ll be able to upload your photos privately at the end.

What you’ll get from this:

✓ Better lighting & framing
✓ Simple poses that feel natural
✓ A repeatable routine you can reuse
✓ A small set of photos that actually look like you

Take a breath. No rush. Start with the light.

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Step 1: Find Your Light

Soft light is forgiving. It shows you kindly. Overhead lights usually flatten everything.

✓ Good lighting:

Window light • Indirect sunlight • Golden hour • Lamps with a shade/diffuser

✗ Avoid:

Overhead ceiling lights • Direct sun through the window • Very dark rooms • Flickering lights

Quick test: take one photo. If your face is bright but your body is a dark silhouette, move closer to the window.

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Step 2: Set Your Space

Keep the background quiet. Simple. Nothing competing with you.

Background ideas:

🧱 Blank wall • 🪟 Window-side wall • ⬛ Dark sheet • 🚿 Shower curtain • 🛏️ Bed (for seated/lying poses)

Rule: if the background is “loud,” the photo feels like a snapshot. Quiet backgrounds feel intentional.

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Step 3: Choose What You’ll Wear

Choose something simple that feels like you. Comfort matters more than exposure. You do not need to show skin for a strong photo. This is about presence, not showing more.

Reminder: You never have to take photos you don’t want to take. The “right” outfit is whatever lets you relax and be seen.

Simple works best:

Solid colors • Comfortable fit • Nothing restrictive • Something you can forget you’re wearing

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Practice Your Breath

Do this once before you shoot. It settles your body and softens your expression.

The breath exercise (2 minutes):

  1. Stand or sit comfortably
  2. Let your shoulders drop
  3. Breathe in through your nose (4 counts)
  4. Hold (4 counts)
  5. Exhale slowly through your mouth (4 counts)
  6. Repeat 5 times

Why it works: your posture opens, your jaw relaxes, and the photo starts to look like you — not a “pose.”

Optional — you can also just breathe without the timer.
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5 Poses to Try

You don’t need to perform. You’re practicing calm, simple presence.

Pose 1: Seated (Eyes Soft)

  1. Sit on your bed or floor
  2. Close your eyes or soften your gaze
  3. Let your arms rest naturally
  4. Breathe once
  5. Take the photo

💚 Best “calm” pose

Pose 2: The Lean

  1. Lean against a wall or doorframe
  2. Look slightly off to the side
  3. Relax your shoulders
  4. Breathe once
  5. Take the photo

Pose 3: Lying Down (Soft)

  1. Lie on your stomach or side
  2. Rest your head on your hands
  3. Keep the pose gentle, not forced
  4. Breathe once
  5. Take the photo

Pose 4: Standing (Still)

  1. Stand tall but relaxed
  2. Arms hanging naturally
  3. Look slightly down or off to the side
  4. Breathe once
  5. Take the photo

Pose 5: Hands (Grounding)

  1. Stand or sit
  2. Place one hand on your chest or stomach (your choice)
  3. Let your other hand rest by your side
  4. Breathe once
  5. Take the photo
Golden rule: Don’t chase a “look.” Just breathe, settle, and let the camera catch you.
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Time to Shoot

Now you’ll take a lot of photos — and keep only a few. That’s normal.

Quick shooting tips:

• Use burst mode (hold shutter = many shots)
• Try each pose 3–5 times
• Keep your face relaxed (no forced expression)
• Step back so your full body fits (if you want full-body shots)
• Review after each set and adjust your position slightly

If something feels uncomfortable, stop and reset. Comfort reads on camera.

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Review Your Shots

Go slowly. You’re not judging your body — you’re noticing what feels real.

What makes a strong photo:

✓ You look relaxed (not “trying”)
✓ Light is soft and clear
✓ Background stays quiet
✓ The image feels honest
✓ You recognize yourself

If you want feedback: Upload your 6–10 favorites here (best quality):
Upload Photos (Private Form)

This upload is private. Nothing is reposted or shared without explicit permission.

Note: This practice is not an audition or a test. Upload only what you feel comfortable sharing. Submitting photos does not imply consent for posting or participation.

You did it. Even one good photo is progress. You can close this page and come back later. Nothing is saved unless you choose to upload.