I took a self-portrait early on Sunday morning. In doing so, I learned:

1. It's really hard to take a good self-portrait.

2. It always helps to pose in the mirror first. There is a mirror on the wall just to the left of where I'm standing in this image. I would pose in it and then turn to my right just before the 10 second timer expired. If I didn't do this, I would have twice as many crappy photos to choose from.



3. It helps tremendously to have something in your place to lock focus so that you can take many photos in succession. A lamp, fan, (a 9-foot paper roll), anything will work.

4. It helps to retouch yourself. And to wear makeup. Even if you're a guy.

5. The wireless camera remote I use for my Nikon D80 is useless on my Nikon D700. Since it's a professional camera, wireless remote transmitters are used instead. $20 vs $200.

Now I know. And knowing is half the battle, right?

Insana