There’s no doubt that self portraiture is one of the most challenging genres of photography – nothing feels quite as vulnerable as stepping out from behind the camera and braving the other side of the lens.
So if the idea of going full-face in front of the camera in a self portrait is a bit too much for you, why not try something a little less confronting. Incorporating reflections in your self portraits gives you a little more anonymity and allows you to explore the genre in a less intimidating way.
And there are SO many different ways you can use reflections to create self portraits! Here are some examples from our Grads community…
Mirror, Mirror
Of course, using a mirror is the obvious one! You can either set up a tripod just out of frame, or hold your camera and include it as part of your shot. Look for mirrors with interesting lines or shapes, or position yourself to include background elements in the reflection as part of your storytelling.
Related: Take Your Own Fabulous Business Headshots
![reflection of woman in mirror](https://clicklovegrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/reflections-betsy-moore-graduate-2.jpg?_t=1651119182)
Betsy Moore ,Graduate
![Interior of bedroom with woman's reflection in small wall mirror](https://clicklovegrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/reflections-anna-menendez-enthusiast-graduate.jpg)
Anna Menendez, Graduate
![colour portrait of woman with camera reflected in mirror](https://clicklovegrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/reflections-tania-barbieri-graduate.jpg)
Tania Barbieri, Graduate
![bright and airy photo of woman reflected in mirror](https://clicklovegrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/look-good-soft-light-bathroom-bouncing-white-christie-veen-advanced-graduate-1.jpg)
Christie Veen, Advanced Graduate
![seated woman and standing teens reflected in mirror panels](https://clicklovegrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/278805665-317330620544450-5377237642245106515-n.jpg)
Emma Davis, CLG Instructor
![Black and white portrait of woman reflected in small decorative mirror](https://clicklovegrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/reflections-renee-butsch-advanced-graduate-2.jpg)
Renee Butsch, Advanced Graduate
![black and white portrait of woman reflected in a mirror](https://clicklovegrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/reflections-vicki-cardilini-advanced-graduate.jpg)
Vicki Cardilini, Advanced Graduate
Windows
Window self portraits tend to be a little more abstract than mirror self portraits, as the two-sided reflective nature of the glass results in a fab layered effect. Again, look for strong lines and shapes to use as framing. And again, you can either set your tripod up just out of shot, or you can hold your camera and incorporate it into your self portrait.
Related: How To Look Great In Your Self Portraits
![self portrait of woman in window frame](https://clicklovegrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/279090269-998657160782312-2920443770055344091-n.jpg)
Emma Davis, CLG Instructor
![black and white portrait of woman gazing out window with reflection](https://clicklovegrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/reflections-renee-butsch-advanced-graduate.jpg)
Renee Butsch, Advanced Graduate
![woman's partial reflection in window](https://clicklovegrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/reflections-ali-vrbas-advanced-graduate.jpg)
Ali Vrbas, Advanced Graduate
![blurred portrait of woman reflected in car window](https://clicklovegrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/279102699-233631212302187-367639171467104099-n.jpg)
Emma Davis, CLG Instructor
![reflection of woman in store window](https://clicklovegrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/lois-street.jpg)
Lois Street, Advanced Graduate
![woman's partial reflection in window with trees and cars](https://clicklovegrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/279071588-5397234103628801-8772688565023231307-n.jpg)
Emma Davis, CLG Instructor
![black and white portrait of woman holding camera](https://clicklovegrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/reflections-courtney-yegian-advanced-graduate.jpg)
Courtney Yegian, Advanced Graduate
Winging it
There are SO many variations on this theme – self portrait reflections captured in the car wing mirror. Not while you’re driving obviously! Perhaps some fabulous light has captured your eye. Or perhaps it’s just part of the story of your daily commute in peak hour traffic. Either way, that little wing mirror is the perfect self portrait side kick!
![black and white portrait of woman reflected in car wing mirror](https://clicklovegrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/reflections-claire-roads-advanced-graduate.jpg)
Claire Roads, Advanced Graduate
![woman's reflection in car wing mirror surrounded by golden light](https://clicklovegrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/reflections-anna-menendez-enthusiast-graduate-2.jpg)
Anna Menendez, Graduate
![portrait of young girl reflected in mirror](https://clicklovegrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/dinithi.jpg)
Dinithi Ranathunga, Advanced Graduate
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