This Page

has been moved to new address

So You Wanna Take Pictures of Yourself

Sorry for inconvenience...

Little Miss Momma: So You Wanna Take Pictures of Yourself

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

So You Wanna Take Pictures of Yourself

How To Take Self Portraits
{even if, like me, you don't know how to use your camera}

Well, you asked?
And I answered.
At least I'll try to answer anyway.

Q: How do you take those pictures of yourself?
Q: Do you use a backdrop?
Q: What program do you use to edit and upload your pictures to blogger?

My home was built right around the time that dinosaurs roamed the Earth--not that I'm complaining or anything.  What I'm trying to say is that apparently it was in style back then to build the bathroom in the same room as the bedroom--ick.

I'll be even more specific--my sink is 5 feet away from my bed and my toilet just 5 feet from the sink--at least the toilet is behind a door.  Not sure this is all important, but now you know.

What you need to know:
My bedroom gets phenomenal indirect light--perfect for taking pictures at the right time of day.  And the right time of day, when the room is the brightest, is around 1:00 pm {also Baby W's nap time}.
At this time, I open all my blinds and let in the light like so:

{that's my bed: bedding from Target {knock off Anthropologie bedding}

My bathroom area is across from these blinds.
Right across from my bathroom door {where the toilet is} are my full length mirrored closet doors. I usually open my bathroom door and take a seat on the toilet facing the mirror--yep, you read that right.

I usually take my pictures from the toilet--or near the toilet anyway.

Here is the less glorious version of my self-portraits
{before I zoom and crop}.


AND to answer your other questions:

Q: Do you get dressed up cute every day--just to hang around your house?
A: No Way Jose!

See above picture.
This is me--most every day.
In my hubby's shirt...and pajama pants.
Hair in a pony.
The previous days make-up.
That's how I roll.
I take comfy over cute 99.9% of the time.



So before you get to work on those portraits,
get to work on loosening those "smile" muscles.

Then put on make-up.
Especially bronzer and lip gloss.
You don't need to spend a ton of time on the make-up,
just cover up obvious "problem areas".
However, if you know how to edit photos this won't be as big of a problem.
I, however, still need to learn how to edit out wrinkles, zits, etc.
So, for now, make up does the trick.
FYI: I use Bare Minerals powder foundation and bronzer.

Next step: take down your hair from the rats nest bun on top of your head.  I just washed and blew dry my hair last night so I don't have many kinks in it today.


Next, ditch your hubby's thermal top for your favorite, more flattering girly shirt.

{note to self: organize closet}

This is the shirt I picked out--it's my favorite.
Just ask my Momma--she says I wear it in too many pictures on this blog.
Oh well.

Note: I am still wearing my pj pants.
In fact, in nearly ALL my portrait pics, I have a cute top on with sweats below {shhh, don't tell}.

Next: Layers almost always look cuter in pictures.
So pick out your favorite cardigan, vest, sweater, etc.
I have recently joined the cool kids and started wearing a belt with my outfits.

Note: still wearing the pj pants.

Now I turn on my camera,
set it to "auto",
aim the camera at my mirror reflection,
zoom in on my upper body,
{to cut out the pj pants and tummy},
and start to shoot away.


Here's the secret: You will need to take over 100 pictures just to get 5-10 that you like.  It shouldn't take you long though. Just relax, get comfortable, and shoot away--one right after the other.  This way you capture "you" rather than a posed version of you.

You'll notice that in a lot of my pictures I'm not looking into the camera.  That's because I am busy looking at my image on the camera screen and making sure I don't look like too much of a dork.  You can still take a cute picture if you're not looking into the lens.

Practice. Practice. Practice.

And don't be afraid to try different poses that would otherwise make you feel like a goof.  I find that it's easier for me to take pics of myself because I'm not so worried about what the photographer thinks about my pose. And the more relaxed you are the better the picture will turn out.


Don't be afraid to ZOOM in--they make for some creative pics.

Oh yeah, another thing.
NO FLASH.
The flash will only make you look yellow.
Natural, indirect light all the way.





Now if you don't have a brightly lit bathroom, you can still take your own pics.  I would recommend finding a white wall {for background} next to the brightest spot in your house.  You can bring over one of those portable wardrobe mirrors {you can get them at Target for about $10}.  If you don't have a white wall, you can try a sheet, or tape up a white poster board.

Once I take my pictures, I upload them to my computer and into Picasa. I use Picasa's basic editing features to lighten and brighten my photos {use the "fill light" and "highlight" tools}.  Then I crop my pictures to try to get out as much of the yucky toilet and door jam background as possible.

Next, I select my edited pictures in Picasa, and I click "upload" to upload them into blogger. Then I go into a "new post" in blogger, I click on the picture to upload pictures, and then I select "from Picasa web albums".  I should see a folder with the images I just edited.  I select that folder and begin uploading the pictures I want to use into my post.

I am also a big fan of the collage feature in Picasa.
That's how I created all these:







And that pretty much sums it up...for now at least.
I hope this helps a bit.

Do you think we should have a
"Self Portrait" LINK PARTY??
Let me know.

Labels: , ,

105 Comments:

At January 11, 2011 at 7:07 PM , Blogger Alison @ Oopsey Daisy said...

Ha! I was totally wondering how you did your self portraits!!

PS Even when you're "Comfty" you're still amazingly cute in your hubby's shirt!!

 
At January 11, 2011 at 7:09 PM , Blogger Jennifer Dawn said...

I just found your blog today, and let me tell you...I have a complete blog crush. Your blog is adorable!

 
At January 11, 2011 at 7:11 PM , Blogger Jamie Rubeis said...

Thats awesome! I love comfy clothes too, but I dont look as cute in mine...more like a little scary!

 
At January 11, 2011 at 7:12 PM , Blogger Five Seconds From Crazy said...

There's so many things about you that are way too adorable but that you are so totally honest is by far the best!
PS I used your lacy flower necklace tutorial but made a headband instead.

http://secondsfromcrazy.blogspot.com/2011/01/froo-froo-headband.html

You'd better keep posting tutorials or I'll have to start coming up with my own ideas!

 
At January 11, 2011 at 7:13 PM , Blogger Jenn @ Peas and Crayons said...

Haha you totally should! <3 Thanks for all the tips -- I need to learn to ditch my beloved flash!

xoXOxo
Jenn @ Peas & Crayons

 
At January 11, 2011 at 7:14 PM , Blogger kBr said...

ok, i love this post. SO helpful!!!!:)

 
At January 11, 2011 at 7:15 PM , Anonymous Tiffany Lauderdale said...

This is the cutest blog I've ever read!! Well done and well sad and super cute outfits!! Even the one with your hubby's T and jammie pants:), I totally relate!!! I am now going to try to do some chic self portraits, we'll see how it goes!! LOL Thanks!!

 
At January 11, 2011 at 7:18 PM , Blogger Simply Bungalow said...

Great post. So helpful. I've been wanting to learn to do a collage. Thanks for the tips
~Heidi

 
At January 11, 2011 at 7:19 PM , Blogger [ker-AND-uh] said...

self-portrait link party. FOR. SURE!!! Let's do it! lol LOVE your tutorial...can't wait to try these with my new camera and my old camera and see the diff.

 
At January 11, 2011 at 7:23 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

A self-portrait linky party would be AweSomE!! {and pure entertainment} lol
I vote YES!

 
At January 11, 2011 at 7:24 PM , Blogger Nicole Marie said...

OMG my bathroom is the same way...INSIDE my bedroom. Great stuff lady! And yes lets do a linky!

 
At January 11, 2011 at 7:30 PM , Anonymous Victoria! said...

i'm glad i'm not the only one who is obsessed with the fact that target has anthro knockoffs all over the place!

 
At January 11, 2011 at 7:31 PM , Blogger jillian sara said...

Giiiiiiirl!!!!! This is HIlarious that you posted this!!!! I tried doing this today! No lie! I was all like I wanna be cute like ashley! Tee hee

 
At January 11, 2011 at 7:32 PM , Blogger Anna K. said...

This linky party is a must...

Let's see if the rest of us can shed dorky and look fabulous like you!

 
At January 11, 2011 at 7:36 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is so true! & yes have a link party!

 
At January 11, 2011 at 7:36 PM , Blogger Jennifer Dawn said...

Yes to the link party!

 
At January 11, 2011 at 7:38 PM , Blogger Katie said...

I JUST found your blog for the first time today, and after reading 4.5 posts, I had to add it to my google reader. You are amazingly inspirational and fun to read!

I'm in for the linky party. You make me want to take pics of myself :)

 
At January 11, 2011 at 7:48 PM , Blogger Liberty said...

you are just too stinkin CUTE!!!!! what kind of camera do you have btw?
thanks for the lesson...i hate pics of me so maybe if i take 100 i'll find a few. ;-)

 
At January 11, 2011 at 8:02 PM , Blogger Taylor-Ann said...

love the sound of that party. I would be down with joining. Thanks for all teh great tips and I love that you wear sweats too. Glad to know I'm not the only one.

 
At January 11, 2011 at 8:04 PM , Blogger Deals, Steals and Heels said...

i swear you are the cutest thing ever!! i feel you with the weirdly constructed old house thing...

now i gotta figure out where in my house gets light!

 
At January 11, 2011 at 8:07 PM , Blogger Holly Kolvig said...

I love how you "self-portrait" yourself. I was just thinking a couple of days ago I wish I was brave and have more courage/confidence to shoot myself, and post on my Blog. Then I thought I don't want Ash to think I am a poser. Is it still awkward for you or make you a little nervous to take pics of yourself even though your so cute and gorgeous? I, of course, would not turn out as adorable as you do so I could not be an identical poser, LOL. But your Self-Portrait Link Party might make me go outside my comfort zone. Which is part of my favorite quote, "If you want to grow you have to go outside your comfort zone". If you do I promise I will try it, just don't laugh, and I will wear my favorite cabochon piece from your collection....

ok enough babble from me, NEXT!

 
At January 11, 2011 at 8:11 PM , Blogger Krista said...

Ok now you are just bragging that you are insanely adorable even in your sweats! :) Love ya and thanks for the tips!!

 
At January 11, 2011 at 8:12 PM , Blogger TFern said...

Thanks for sharing your tips! Will have to keep these in mind when I actually become uncamera shy...have a lot to work on before that happens but maybe I'll get there.

 
At January 11, 2011 at 8:17 PM , Blogger The Crafty Crystal said...

Loved this :) You are so gorgeous! Haha, and now I don't feel so bad for not washing my makeup off every night...I'm not the only one!

 
At January 11, 2011 at 8:18 PM , Blogger Tara @ Tara Being Tara said...

OMG YES!!! You absolutely should have that link party!!! Thanks for the tips! You crack me up!

 
At January 11, 2011 at 8:22 PM , Blogger Nichelle @ Vintage Wanna Bee said...

HAHA a linky party would be AWESOME!!!! I'd be all over that.

 
At January 11, 2011 at 8:27 PM , Blogger Elizabeth Sanchez said...

awwwww this is so cute and so awesome that i'm not the ONLY one that gets dolled up from the waist up to take a new photo hahahaa

 
At January 11, 2011 at 8:28 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

wow. you sure like to take a lot of pictures of yourself.

 
At January 11, 2011 at 8:35 PM , Blogger Free Pretty Things For You said...

SO adorably Beautiful!!!
I cant wait to lose weight and be able to take pictures and post them!

oh i guess i just told you one of my secrets.

I keren.. dont post pictures of myself b/c i am SO embarrassed of how much weight i have gained after my baby was born :(
I dont feel like my self.. i feel like a completely different person.. its a total bummer.
you still love me tho right??

 
At January 11, 2011 at 8:42 PM , Blogger Sandy a la Mode said...

hahhahh this is soo awesome girl!! you are a PRO at self portraits... i def could use some help!!

 
At January 11, 2011 at 8:48 PM , Blogger ashley @ little miss momma said...

Dear Anonymous,

Yes, i do.
you should try it.
you might have fun.

thanks for visiting LMM,

ashley

 
At January 11, 2011 at 8:50 PM , Blogger Unknown said...

So adorable. I never knew a post about taking self potraits could be so entertaining! I loved it and actually learned a lot. Thanks =)

 
At January 11, 2011 at 8:52 PM , Blogger Unknown said...

Wow pretty amazing the way you do them! And they look so good! The white wall behind you with the natural light looks great! You have a really great camera too! I want one like that soon!!!

You should enter my new Get Sexy Challenge!
Have a Great Day,
~Romantic Savy

 
At January 11, 2011 at 9:04 PM , Blogger Erienne said...

This post was too much fun! Thank you for sharing! You seem like a blast, and I LOVE reading your blog! And yes, we should have a self portrait link party!!!

 
At January 11, 2011 at 9:08 PM , Blogger Annie Nielson said...

Just curious, how do you get your Anthropologie knock-off necklace that you made to lay flat? I made one of the pom-pom necklaces (and I love it) it just doesn't lay very well. It does if I'm not moving :) Just wondering if I need to do something differently :)

Thanks!
Annie
annie@grumpy.com

 
At January 11, 2011 at 9:10 PM , Blogger Maria-Isabel @ Agape Love Designs said...

OK, no freakin fair, that you still look cute as ever sitting on the TOILET in pj's and a messy bun... ok well sloppy buns are sexy in general. lol But I mean COME ON! Youre adorable, and its no fair! lol
:)
a LINKY party would def be fun! and an excuse for me to take more self portraits! :) I do this a lot actually.. I just dont post them! haha Idk if Im cute enough to get away with it like you. ;)

I have a secret though, even though I have a fancy camera and photograph others.. most of my self portraits are taken on my cell phone! HA!

~Maria-Isabel
(Agape Love Designs)

 
At January 11, 2011 at 9:14 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

You are awesome, thats all I gotta say! You are a.d.o.r.a.b.l.e. Thanks for posting these, I so have to take more self portraits, when maybe BOTH kids nap....dont know when that will happen. And Im so glad you hang out in sweats, I do to! YA Hoo for Comfort!


Yes, to the link party...that would be fun!

 
At January 11, 2011 at 9:18 PM , Anonymous Leanne said...

Even with all your great tips there is no way I would look as cute as you in my pictures, but I might give it a try. I need to get more comfortable on the other side of the camera.

 
At January 11, 2011 at 9:19 PM , Blogger Chrissy @ the Pearl Blog said...

Thanks for this update you ROCK! I love your pics and ideas on only getting pretty from the wast up...such a time saver and the direct light with no flash...Ugh I can not wait for the linky party!

 
At January 11, 2011 at 9:19 PM , Blogger Delia said...

Great tips...and your comfy look is way cuter than mine! :)

 
At January 11, 2011 at 9:23 PM , Blogger Unknown said...

A self portrait link party sounds like fun. I get Husband to take photos of me sometimes but he will delete them if I don't have a big smile. Very annoying. I use a self timer to take photos of myself. But I have to take 200 photos. Cuz I end up making bad faces have the time. :P

 
At January 11, 2011 at 10:33 PM , Blogger Amber Nicole said...

hahahaha you are too cute!!!

 
At January 11, 2011 at 10:39 PM , Blogger Becca said...

Youre so cute!! I wish I had half your cuteness!! Great tips on pictures... I am a photographer and you used some of the same tips I tell my clients before pictures day.I love your blog and your realness! Thanks for keeping it real and giving us moms a place to come and laugh, cry and nod because weve been there through the same everyday occurances of being a mom.

 
At January 11, 2011 at 11:17 PM , Blogger HALLELUJAHS BY HOLLY said...

Girl, you are too fun. Love it! Picassa is my favorite too...so easy to finaggle if you're not an expert. Although you are too cute for needing any retouching, I use the retouch option (same tab as crop and such) quite often for zits and icks. Works like a charm. I always think...some grandchild down the line is going to look at all these pictures of me with good skin and wonder why they got stuck with all the problem areas. Works that well. Just love your self portraits.

Blessings,
Holly
http://hallelujahsbyholly.blogspot.com

 
At January 11, 2011 at 11:21 PM , Anonymous Stacey said...

I'm not meaning this to be rude, it's an honest question. I'm a bit perplexed, and finding two things contridictory, so I thought i'd ask.

Your self portraits are cute. You are totally adorable, and obviously you know that. You have a great sense of style, and again, you know it and flaunt it. You are a total photo poser, haming it up frequently for the camera. Modeling something is a good excuse for you to take copious amounts of pictures of yourself making different faces. Makes me think- wow, this cute girl has style, and major confidence !

But after the revelation of your secret i'm confused. Someone who does something as self harming and self destructive as your recently revealed secret is not at peace with themself. They are not confident and styling and honestly filled with self love. If they were they wouldn't self harm. I know this because i've been there personally,and I work in this field.

So i'm just wondering, your bubbly, cute, dressing up, taking copious amounts of pictures, posing and hamming it up for your photos is so contridictory to your secret. How is this so?

Please, this is an honest question, not critisism.

 
At January 11, 2011 at 11:48 PM , Blogger Unknown said...

Ive been following you for awhile now!, I love your blog, and how you make it so entertaining! You are beautiful and fun!, and I noticed the last comment, IGNORE it, you are a strong, confident woman! If you weren't you wouldn't post such BEAUTIFUL pictures of yourself! you respect who you are as a wife, mother, and friend. I personally think your secret has nothing to do with the confidence and total cuteness level of the pictures you post! keep it up, we all love seeing your posts and pictures and wonderful modeling skills!

ps. I totally love the new secrets blog! I'm addicted.

 
At January 11, 2011 at 11:53 PM , Anonymous Stacey said...

gosh, i'm not being rude, honestly, but hair pulling is self harming. ask any psychologist.

i'm just asking how these two polar opposites exist within you.

I'm not bringing you down, you've been open, so can't I ask to understand better?

 
At January 12, 2011 at 12:15 AM , Blogger Jesslyn Amber said...

I do not see how having fun in front of the camera is contradicting to her "secret".

Ashley is a beautiful, smart, and wonderful person. She's confident, and has every reason to be.

 
At January 12, 2011 at 1:37 AM , Blogger Whit said...

you are so stinkin cute. If I was that cute I would take self portraits too :) Love this post and all the tips! Thanks

 
At January 12, 2011 at 2:30 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

LOVE this post, and ABSOLUTELY about the Self Portrait link party!!!! so much fun! and thanks for pointing out picasa's collage function, I'm going to have to check that out :)
-JBenz

 
At January 12, 2011 at 4:17 AM , Blogger CodyG said...

you are just too stinking adorable. and always make me laugh literally out loud.

husband thinks i am crazy.

 
At January 12, 2011 at 4:34 AM , Blogger Amber said...

You always have such great tutorials to show the everyday person that they are able to accomplish more than they think they can.
Would you mind if I added one little thing to include? I love how you aren't looking at the camera all the time, but I've found a lot of people that don't know where to look if they DO want to look at the camera. Mentioning to simply look at the camera lens in your mirror helped them solve that problem.

Anyway...love your blog and come by it everday!

 
At January 12, 2011 at 5:03 AM , Blogger Crazy Wonderful said...

Totally annoyed that you look super cute wearing sweats and your hubby's tee! You don't even want to see what I look like most days (eeeek!).

This definitely inspires me to start taking some pictures of myself. As the mommy I'm always the one behind the camera :)

 
At January 12, 2011 at 5:07 AM , Blogger Sparks Family said...

Ya lets totally link up! I've never done it before but I would for your blog and for this idea.

 
At January 12, 2011 at 5:07 AM , Blogger Leslie said...

Thank you for sharing this! For as long as I have followed your blog, I have wondered about your awesome self-portraits. This helps answer so many questions! I am going to experiment today when my daughter takes her nap. Oh, and I love Picassa too- it's a great (free!) program

And I saw that crazy comment up there... forget about it! Who cares even if you are contradictory... this is your blog and you are just being honest. I think we all are quick to point fingers at others, but always forget there are 4 other fingers pointing back at us. She must be so insecure with herself, that she needs to bring you down too. Love your blog and everything on it!

 
At January 12, 2011 at 5:17 AM , Blogger :o) mg said...

If it helps at all, I know how to eat right, using the proper proportions, etc, but still overeat.
I sort of suspect we all have contradictions within ourselves. The way I see it is that Ashley has embraced her cross and is carrying it quite well.
God bless each of you.

 
At January 12, 2011 at 5:59 AM , Blogger Carriage House Antiques said...

You are super cute and silly,this post must have taken a lot of time and energy..thanks for the tips! I just started turning my flash off but find I have camera shake and the pics are nice colour but blurry.
Natalie

 
At January 12, 2011 at 6:01 AM , Blogger jillian sara said...

So I am being a comment higher now. But I have to say something. First of all this blog is kinda like a common interest blog people! Us MOMMAS relate to her because of all the fun, cute, silly things she does. Ashley, I know I have never met you and maybe never will. So I will tell you that your blog has been such an awesome ministry to me. I have a couple secrets too. But I also love to get dressed up and take pictures on front of the mirror too!!! It makes us mommas feel good! You help people have self confidence..... for people who have a secret along with it! Ok I am such a comment hogger!!!!!! :) keep doing this great ministry girl!!!! Love love!!!

 
At January 12, 2011 at 6:08 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ashley I have been following you for about 4 - 5 months and love your blog ( so that has to make us BFF's right? lol j/k)

Honestly the reason "Stacy" or anyone else who said negativity your way is just pure jealousy and or a has self esteem issues them selves.

Hey you are petite your gorgeous and you can totally pull off the the pjs on the toilet look better than anyone else here in blog world. Hey im totally jealous i wish i was short skinny and gorgeous too. Dont let there own problems make you feel ashamed or "perplexed" your a great mom a great blogger a great craft maker ect ect. Remember that little girl video you posted about self esteem a while ago... That should be your next tutorial ( how to be totally fabulous even in your pj's) show them your secret does not label you nor should you hide who you are.

Amanda

 
At January 12, 2011 at 6:23 AM , Blogger Mary Moury said...

Thanks so much for this post! I'm really horrible at taking picture of myself. I think this will help me to be brave enough to try new things (and try for long enough to take enough pictures).
Your blog is so helpful and uplifting, I love reading it! Thanks so much for all the frequent updates and posts. It really is like checking in on a friend!!

 
At January 12, 2011 at 6:29 AM , Blogger Sparks Family said...

This comment is for #45 Stacey.
I too am a bubbly stylish outgoing and damn amazing woman. I too struggle with mental health ie. ADD, anxiety and depression. There definelty can be polar opposites inside a person. It sounds like you might be in the mental health field so I would think you would have this understanding already. I get you werent trying to be mean but seriously maybe that "honest"question should've been posed to her in a private email or just go get some books and read up on. Everyone has a different way of dealing with insecurities or issues wit in themselves. Mine manifest in anxiety/panic attacks.
Just b/c LLM has a health issue does not define her as an individual! Its not something she personally has chosen to do.
I dont choose to have panic attacks.
I LOVE you Little Miss Mama!!! I think in revealing your secret, you have become a real individual to me and someone who deserves respect for the courage shown. No one can look at another person and think that they are perfect. We never know the struggles another individual goes through.

 
At January 12, 2011 at 7:05 AM , Blogger Kristyn @ Good Gravy Crafts said...

Ashley,

This is so helpful, although I am not as brave as you...I don't know if I could post myself.

Maybe if you have a linky party then I would have to bc well....you rock and I hate to disappoint people who rock.

xx-Kristyn

 
At January 12, 2011 at 7:07 AM , Blogger Poyer the Lawyer said...

To the Comment everyone has mentioned above, the answer is that we, including Ashley, are all human beings. We aren't one dimensional characters in a TV show that have one attribute. Ashley is a million different things at the same time, as are all of us.

It sort of perplexes me that you think someone with an issue is obligated to be consumed by that issue all the time, and it's sort of insulting that you insinuate that in some way she is being dishonest or unauthentic with her readers.

The truth is that she had absolutely no obligation to reveal her secret, and in doing so she made herself completely vulnerable to her readers. Now you are throwing that back in her face by making a ridiculous comparison to the fact that she is beautiful and is taking pictures of herself to show her readers different things on blog.

I guess when you have a blog you open yourself up to comments like that one that haven't really been thought out, but Ash, don't dwell on it for a second.

Thank you for being human, complex, and a million different things at once. All those things together do not make you contradictory, they make you the amazing human being you are.

 
At January 12, 2011 at 7:31 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ooooooook.... So at #45 and #47. Let's be frank. I don't think for one little second you didn't intend to be rude. How tacky to post an attack dressed up as a question on a public blog. Just because LMM was BRAVE enough to share her struggle with us, gives us NO room to judge her or to even question her so called "contradictions" within herself. I also, like many other comments made,have insecurities but does that mean I can't get dressed up and toot my own horn a bit? Sure doesn't. Don't we all have little idiosyncrasies? To Little Miss Momma: I ADORE your blog, and MOST OF ALL your HONESTY!!! I can't say how nice it is to read some of your truths and think " Omgosh I do that too!" You're an absolutely adorable and likable and girl.. and you make us all feel just a little more "normal". You just keep on keepin'on!

 
At January 12, 2011 at 7:38 AM , Blogger Unknown said...

This is uber helpful! thank you! Also, I love that grey stripped shirt, in my opinion, you can wear it any time. It's my fave.

and yes on the self-portrait link party. please :)

 
At January 12, 2011 at 7:49 AM , Blogger Summer said...

It seems anytime in the blogging world that when a woman shows confidence, there is always someone waiting to tear her down. Isn't that sad?

I think you rock Ashley and I enjoyed this post.

 
At January 12, 2011 at 7:55 AM , Blogger Dominique @ Craft Couture said...

I like the link party idea!
& btw I love your bedding! So cute!

 
At January 12, 2011 at 8:01 AM , Blogger Craft That Party said...

amen to what Summer said. Good for you for putting yourself out there. It helps 99% of other women, just leaves the 1% to criticize and judge and that is a shame.

 
At January 12, 2011 at 8:03 AM , Blogger nicole. said...

WHOA.

No one is perfect. It takes a strong, honest person to admit faults and weaknesses - that need not otherwise be explained.

In a world filled with "perfection" or images of perfection, its refreshing to know that we each have our own imperfections.

Ignore and move on.

And, anonymous? So, even if you wanted to respond privately to that person, you do not have the opportunity to do so?

If someone dislikes or has such an issue with your content... they certainly do not have to look!

Right???

I LOVE my imperfections! That should be the next linky list ;)


http://eandnreyes.blogspot.com

 
At January 12, 2011 at 8:33 AM , Blogger TLF said...

What a fun post!!
I've always wondered about your phenomenal lighting.. thanks for sharing your tips!
I think a linky party would be fun.. I'll have to have a day of practicing first, lol!!

 
At January 12, 2011 at 8:48 AM , Blogger Nicole said...

So jealous of your natural lighting. My house is a berm house... NO or hardly any natural light :(

 
At January 12, 2011 at 9:11 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Honestly I think LMM secret has NOTHING to do with posting pictures of herself. Ashley, sorry someone had to insult you that way. But to a comment posted earlier- just because people post questions or have a statement that may be rude does NOT mean they are jealous. I've been looking at LMM blog for awhile now(love her and her personality) but honestly I feel there are too many self portraits. I LOVE the idea of her blog and her momma struggles and joys, but I could do without so many self portraits.

 
At January 12, 2011 at 9:12 AM , Blogger mstalcup said...

I LOVE LOVE LOVE ALL THE PICTURES YOU POST! I love all the hats, shirts, belts, everything. SO PLEASE KEEP them coming.

You are such a beautiful person inside and out! And, that speaks to your readers LOUD AND CLEAR!

Thumbs up for a photo link party :) Awesome idea and sounds like fun!

PS - I'm so happy to hear that you don't get all dressed up everyday. ha! :)

 
At January 12, 2011 at 9:44 AM , Blogger Kelli said...

I just love your blog. You are so funny, cute, and such an inspiration! Thanks for sharing the great tips!

xoxo
Kelli @ loveoursimplelife.blogspot.com

 
At January 12, 2011 at 9:52 AM , Blogger t & e said...

Please Please Please stop all the negativity. This blog is for us to come to and feel connected and not feel like we are the only "crazy" mothers or people out there. STOP the anonymous comments. It makes me sick to think you can write such craziness and not even leave your name. Own up to what you say or DON'T SAY IT AT ALL. Ashely is doing what everyone else wants to do but is too afraid to do it. That's what I love about her. You cannot and should not judge people, but especially people you don't know. COME ON people, stop ruining the fun we are having by coming to Ashley's blog. And to the comment who doesn't like all of Ashley's self portaits DON'T LOOK. It's her blog and she can do what she wants.

 
At January 12, 2011 at 9:55 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Love you!!!! And your blog. And I agree, you secret and your love of taking pics have nothing to do with each other. We have have many parts to us, that's what makes up awesome!!!

Sidenote: My mom laughs at me every time I get my picture taken because I ask if Im cute, LOL!

YES to a link party!!! We don't have much natural light here in Alaska right now...but Ill do my best. I shoot on manual so it will help a lot.

Hayley
www.gooseandlovie.com

 
At January 12, 2011 at 9:56 AM , Blogger Unknown said...

I love the idea of a selfie link party! :)

Whit
whitspeaks.blogspot.com

 
At January 12, 2011 at 10:05 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ashley, I love your blog and appreciate your tips on self-portraits. Don't let the drama bother you one bit.

...and I agree with a comment above. A link party post on our faults/shortcomings/insecurities would be fun.

 
At January 12, 2011 at 10:05 AM , Blogger K. C. said...

Awesome!

I like using www.picnik.com to edit pictures. It's free, really easy, and really simple. And they have an awesome acne remover tool that I LOVE and use all the time. ;)

 
At January 12, 2011 at 12:10 PM , Blogger Lauren A. said...

Nw follower to your blog! Thanks for the self portrait advice! :) And you still look adorable even in your pj's!

A link party for self portraits would be fun! I'm in!

 
At January 12, 2011 at 12:40 PM , Blogger Sarah Nicole said...

Thanks for sharing! You make it look easy! My house has terrible lighting. I hardly ever get a good self portrait.

 
At January 12, 2011 at 12:58 PM , Blogger Courtney Moser said...

I love the idea of a link party!!
To the negative comments: You don't have to look at her blog. I am a stay at home mom as well, and I've realized if I don't find something fun to do sometimes then I start going a little crazy.
I love your blog Ashley, don't change a thing!

 
At January 12, 2011 at 3:06 PM , Blogger Barn Owl Primitives said...

Ashley ~ a dear friend of mine shared this "Truth" on her blog a while back and I thought I'd share it with you!!

Note: I'm certainly not trying to analyze anything, simply share something that after I read it, stuck with me.

Her TRUTH:

Now, that post is my Truth. But I have discovered over the years that when it comes to what I believe and say, there are several different layers of the Truth. And it usually takes a lot of thinking and time and humility to get from the truth all the way down to the TRUTH. It usually works like this, Izzi:

truth: GOD, Craig, I can’t stand her. She is so damn competitive. I’m done with her, I swear. DONE.

Truth: Um, maybe I’m too competitive to be comfortable around her. She won’t let me win.

TRUTH: Kay. I’ve forgotten, again, that I’m okay. I’m doing that thing I do. Instead of looking at this woman like the work of art she is, with her own colors and depth and style, I’m using her as a mirror on the wall. When I look at her, I’m not really looking at her at all. I’m looking back at myself, and using her to examine all my fears and flaws. I’m using her. How rude. She’s a masterpiece, not a mirror. Masterpiece, not a mirror. Masterpiece, not a mirror.

- - - -
Ash ~ you are a MASTERPIECE! Some people just take longer to get to the TRUTH!

LOVE YOU!!

 
At January 12, 2011 at 5:43 PM , Blogger kelsie rae. said...

so that's funny that you posted this because i attempted a self-portrait just yesterday.

check it out here:
http://kelsieandnate.blogspot.com/
and
here:
http://kelsieraephotography.blogspot.com/2011/01/self-portrait.html

 
At January 12, 2011 at 6:22 PM , Blogger Jennifer Dawn said...

Ashley,
I am so sorry that some people have thought that it is okay to step into your world and spread their negativity. Ladies, as mothers and women...we need to support and build each other.

Poyer the Lawyer,
I don't know if you are really a lawyer. I need to click on your link in a sec, but you sure can argue like one. What a wonderful and intelligent response!

Ashley,
Keep rockin' the self portraits! This is your world. We are only guests being granted the privilege to visit it.

 
At January 12, 2011 at 6:54 PM , Blogger Karri said...

Thank you for posting this. You totally rock the self-portrait (and well, I, totally do not. At all.)

 
At January 13, 2011 at 10:48 AM , Blogger Life in Rehab said...

Yeah, like you aren't cute in a ponytail. Sure. You don't have it in you not to be cute.

 
At January 13, 2011 at 3:05 PM , Anonymous Margie Cardec said...

You're Hilarious! I Like You! :D AND How Adorable is your Family!! Gah!. :D So anyways. I'll be browsing around.

Margie :D

 
At January 13, 2011 at 3:54 PM , Blogger Maren said...

I want to know where you shop! I love your style! I told one of my friends that I want to look just like you!

 
At January 14, 2011 at 8:19 AM , Blogger Unknown said...

Oh my word, I am soo self-conscious, I don't know if I could ever do this... but I am working on Project 365, which is one picture every day for a year, so I am thinking it would be a good idea to try this at least once!! :)

Thanks for the inspiration

 
At January 15, 2011 at 7:53 AM , Blogger Michelle Life Buy The Beach said...

This is so so hard. I'll keep shooting away but they just don't seem to come out as darling as yours. Thanks for taking the time to make us all better bloggers.

 
At January 18, 2011 at 9:19 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is so cute! Love it! :)

 
At January 18, 2011 at 1:48 PM , Blogger Impulsive Addict said...

You are just a gorgeous girl! =)

No, I'm not hitting on you. I'm married. To a man. Just wanted to dish out a compliment~

Have a great week!

 
At January 18, 2011 at 6:56 PM , Blogger Jessica K. Barrett said...

I just found your blog today! Love it:) Ok, I have one question b/c I'm slow or something...are you taking the pictures in the mirror???? Love the tutorial!!

 
At January 20, 2011 at 1:39 PM , Blogger Ashley Hasty said...

This post was so inspiring! I always wonder if bloggers are as glamorous as they appear. The fact that you take your self portraits sitting on your toilet lets me know you are REAL. I love it. Thank you for this post!

<3 Ashley
www.ahastylife.com

 
At January 22, 2011 at 10:16 AM , Blogger Erica Cook said...

Well, aren't you just the cutest thing... thoroughly enjoyed this post. Just discovered you via Eat, Drink & Decorate. :) Erica

http://moth-design.blogspot.com/

 
At January 23, 2011 at 5:22 PM , Blogger Jenni said...

a friend forwarded me your link after I posted a self portrait of a new hairdo....love your tips!! I had to take the photo at night, but managed to do a decent job, I think. ;-) Good enough,anyway!

 
At January 28, 2011 at 11:29 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

LOVE this post!!!

 
At January 30, 2011 at 9:56 AM , Blogger Scribble Scrabble said...

I love the fact that you take your self portraits while sitting on your toilet bowl.

 
At February 16, 2011 at 12:07 PM , Blogger Mistakenly Misunderstood said...

I think you should be a model...

 
At March 26, 2011 at 9:02 AM , Blogger Laura @ live.laugh.photograph said...

Hey Ashley, I just found this post through linkwithin.... Um, can we PLEASE have another portrait link party?! I need more pictures of myself and this would be the perfect kick in the rear to do it! Thanks and luv ya! ;)

 
At March 29, 2011 at 6:15 PM , Anonymous Anna said...

Holy Tic tacs. HOW DO YOU LOOK SOOOO CUTE???????????????

 
At April 17, 2011 at 2:43 PM , Blogger Heather Mullin said...

Love it and I am a photographer and didn't even know how to take pics of myself other than my phone or my computer camera. haha... Thanks for sharing!

 
At July 14, 2011 at 3:45 AM , Blogger Tammy said...

This made me want to take pictures of myself. Not only that, but make myself look pretty to do it. It's not very often I wear makeup, maybe I will start =) Thanks for the inspiration

 
At July 24, 2011 at 9:53 PM , Blogger ~*~Renee~*~ said...

i wanted to know where or how you learned to make that blue lace headband with the 3 fabric flowers and feathers. it is adorable and i would love to know how to make my own. please email me at renee.swafford@yahoo.com or i will be looking for your answer on here :)

 

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home