What you’ll need

Tripod – I used this one – ESDDI TP-35 Camera Tripod which is super chear and light (1.3kg) to carry around. These might be still available on ebay but are more likely to be sold out as I bought mine ages ago. Dslr tripod that has a weight capacity around 5kg and can get at least as high as 150cm will be perfect. It should be solid enough to hold a professional camera with attached lens in a portrait mode.

Camera – Mirrorless camera works best (easiest) but DSLR is also great option. I used Canon R6.

Lens or two – I used two prime lenses. Sigma Art 50mm F1.4 and Sigma Art 85 mm F1.4. You can use any lens though depending on your location but I recommend sticking to a prime lens (not zoom). If you are shooting in a tight space maybe choose a 35mm lens.

Remote control or wireless shutter release – I used my phone app but would recommend using a wireless trigger instead as you can hide it more easier than a phone.

You can check out my Photo gear here

Camera Settings

I used Canon R6 which is a mirrorless camera with eye/face detection. I started with ISO 100 and apperture 1.4 and then adjusted my shutter speed to bring some light in. I love shooting wide open, it works amazing for one person portrait as there is only one subject that needs to be in focus.

50mm ISO 100 f1.4 1/6400
85mm ISO 200 f1.4 1/6400

I stayed at f1.4 the whole time but I did move between ISO 100-400 and shutter 1/4000-1/6400 as the sun was going down.. Switch your blootooth on and connect your camera to your app.

Time of the day

As I love the golden hour glow, naturally this is the time I chose to create my portraits at. Golden hour starts 1 hour before the sunset and is usually the best about 15 minutes before the sunset. If you google when the sunset is on the day of your shoot you can plan when you need to start. I spent 1 hour creating my portraits which was plenty of time but if you aren’t sure how to set everything up than maybe give yourself a bit more time.

Location

Choose your location based on your likes and the sort of vibe you want to create. I chose a field behind my house as it looked so pretty with the golden rye fields and carpets of daisies all around. It was also quiet, private and easy to get to – I didn’t have to make much planning.

Because it’s a field, there were no trees to help me create shadows but this was ok as I wanted those sunset glow backlit photos anyways. I also wanted to avoid having too much distraction in the background so plain field was perfect.

Other locations that can work are: your local park, meadow, your garden, mountains, edge of a woodland or any areas that don’t seem too busy but have plenty or some natural light.

Depending on season you might want to get creative in a sunflower field, lavender field, beach, colourful autumnal park, or snowy mountain perhaps… But honestly, you don’t need much. Shooting wide open means your background is going to be a bit blurred anyways so I recommend sticking with plain and light background.

My Golden Hour Self Portraits Result

Manifesto

Doing these self portraits was a major thing for me. I’ve been meaning to have some photos of me taken for over two years. I felt self conscious and I kept putting it off as I was unhappy with my post covid looks. I’ve finally came to peace with myself and it was thanks to these photos. They helped me see myself in a better (golden hour 😉) light.

In few years we will look back and think how beautiful and young we were. All the imperfections we see now will be petty or maybe even cute. What I mean is love yourself the way you are with all your imperfections. You’ll value these moments and photos in time more than you do now. Because the true value of photography comes with time. When that day comes, you and your family will be glad to have them. Make the most out of this lovely season, beautiful sunsets, sunshine and nature around you now.

I hope that you find this post helpful and encouraging to have a little play with your camera and create something for yourself 🤍 Remember that for those glowy photos, there is no better time of day for self portraits, than golden hour!

xoxo

Dita

How to create Golden Hour Self Portraits – tips and advice by Warwickshire and Cotswolds Wedding Photographer Dita Bowen Photography.