Take Your Self-Portraits to the Next Level

[@MangoStreet]

WE’RE RESPONDING TO EVERY COMMENT UNTIL MONDAY IS OVER. (please don’t make us regret this 🤝)

[@EbukaMordi]

Love this!!!!

[@jordenreyONpsn]

"You don't have to be weird like me" Well you guys inspire me to be weird, but I love it!

[@MangoStreet]

weird is good!

[@Xyz123Etc..]

100% agreed!

[@seanedwards94]

*reads title* Me: I think my self-portrait game is on-lock *looks at thumbnail* Me: You've piqued my interest

[@MangoStreet]

*reads comment* me: i like this comment.

[@frosty227]

I've followed your channel for a long, long time and I'm always surprised by the quality of your content and your ability to teach me something new in the world of photography. Give your dogs extra pets from me, a stranger on the interwebs.

[@MangoStreet]

thanks, andy! we love to hear that.

[@tarushithakur4452]

I've been following y'all for 2 years now. My favourite photographers then, 2 years later, still admire you guys the most✌❤️

[@MangoStreet]

thank you for saying such a lovely thing! we appreciate you.

[@rohansth]

"We'll going to respond to every single comment today." * everyone liked that

[@MangoStreet]

is that an arrested development narrator reference? sure hope so.

[@rohansth]

@@MangoStreet it's a fallout meme. But sure seems like something the narrator would say.

[@lottielotte]

"You don't have to be weird like me." Ha! Jokes on you, Rachel, I'm already weird.

[@MangoStreet]

weirdos unite 🤝

[@neele621]

you guys were the first photography channel I watched on KZbin and to this day, you are still my favourite. especially as English is not my first language, but German, I love how you break down even more complicated topics. Also the confidence you gave me as a photographer, but also as a 'model'. I suffer from a cleft lip and palate (I think that's what you call it) and never wanted my portrait taken. But as I saw how beautifully you captured each individual, I realized that I could still look great in photos. And btw, I would love to see a video on how to get more "vogue" and high fashion looking "street" photography (that urban vibe), something I never seem to get conveyed in my shots. Like styling, poses, angles, everything that goes with the topic and this specific look. thanks for helping me out, guys. seriously. perhaps one day I will run into you, I hope you are okay with random compliments from a stranger.

[@inayah115]

Me: * Watching this on Saturday and having a lot of questions * *REEEE*

[@katie]

I love all of these tips! I'm pretty confident with doing self portraits in my own apartment, but I'm nervous going to public places like the beach because I"m paranoid that someone is gonna run by and steal my camera while I'm posing! do you guys ever worry about that?

[@MangoStreet]

we do - and did, even during this shoot! i think the truth is most people aren't out to steal your stuff - and it'd be a pretty ballsy move with you right there. but yeah, we definitely think about it!

[@annas39]

Self-portraits are my favorites! Especially when it's hard to find models lol! Thanks for the great advice!

[@MangoStreet]

thanks for watchin’ 🤝

[@adityarox257]

Do you think a higher end camera is required to shoot better photos? What cameras do you guys use now?!! Also, I really love your videos!!!

[@MangoStreet]

i think fully understanding and pushing the gear you have is the most important thing. these were shot on a canon 5d mark iv.

[@adityarox257]

@@MangoStreet thank you so much!

[@charlottedegenstein9385]

Loved the video! Came in perfect timing as I will be taking self-portraits in my photography class tomorrow. How do you get a good focus on the subject when taking self portraits? Is it possible with manual focus? Also, do you have any recommendations for light tripods that are somewhat affordable? Thanks so much!

[@MangoStreet]

i placed the prop where i would stand, manually focused on it, and then stood in that exact spot. i also wasn’t shooting wide open, so there was room for error 🤝

[@WildEmpress]

I usually use the auto focus on my self portraits but I agree, if I had to use manual focus I would set something in the spot I intend to stand to set the focus

[@sirajthemirage6630]

this channel is probably single-handedly responsible for majority of the information and inspiration that helped me develop my own kinda style and make a job of photography and i hope to continue to learn even more from y’all

[@alisonbaldwin69]

Watching you sparked my interest in photography, today I’m taking my first film photography class!!

[@MangoStreet]

terrific! film is so fun.

[@helloabwatson]

Which platform bring in the biggest audience & revenue for you? Eg website, Instagram, KZbin, newsletter?

[@MangoStreet]

youtube 🤝🤝

[@jk1231391]

I’ve learned more from your videos than I have in my last 4 years of college as a photography student. Also, could you make a video on how to get out of a creative block, if you haven’t already? Thanks✌🏻

[@MangoStreet]

i'm glad we could help where your classes could not! 1) take a break 2) find creative sources to inspire you. music, film, tv, comedy, books, whatever 3) try shooting a genre of photography you never have before

[@WildEmpress]

My favorite way to get out of creative block is to try a completely new activity...so like trying needle felting or pour painting. Something random, I don't know about others but creative block for me happens when I have an expectation of myself to make something good...so by being a beginner, totally fresh to something it dissolves that expectation and then once I break it I can get back to photos

[@EricFloberg]

um how do you know that there's no film in your camera while shooting?

[@MangoStreet]

rewind knob, you knob!

[@JCurry-kv1rp]

I've been watching your channel for a while now and you've given me motivation and inspiration to get out there and take photos. Thanks guys

[@MangoStreet]

that is all we hope for :)

[@JustinasStep]

1. What is your message to future photographers/filmmakers? 2. How to make connections with favourite KZbinrs knowing, that its hard to get in touch with them? Thank you for all your responses! Love your content😊

[@MangoStreet]

story first! also, if other youtubers are anything like us, they are probably busy, overwhelmed, and get a lot of asks. show them you can help them out or provide value in some way!

[@spudrina]

hey! I've been watching y'all's stuff since you started the channel and it's always been really motivating when im in a rut or feel discouraged also that flamingo wallpaper is dope

[@MangoStreet]

yay, og viewer over here! thanks for the comment and glad ya like the wallpaper!

[@mommabearroars]

Thank you guys so much for inspiring me to get back into photography! It’s helped me get out of a few year long funk. I have learned so much from you guys, way more than from photography/advanced photography classes I took in high school. 🙄 I love you guys!!

[@MangoStreet]

that is so nice to hear, hayley! thanks for the comment!

[@abbeyjackman]

Love this video, it’s very insightful and the photos are really interesting!

[@MangoStreet]

thank you for saying so, abbey!

[@mylittlecorneroftheworld633]

been following you guys for years! you got me into photo + film since i was really young. now I’m graduating high school, and have nobody to take my senior photos. I want to try self portraits, but dont want to do something so original. so- I guess my question is, should I stick to basics or try something wEiRD!? it’ll take more effort but this video helped a lot! 💚 (also, my town is really small + i dont drive. so the setting would be somewhere in my house / neighborhood, was even thinking my grandparents shower cause it has a glass tile texture? any ideas in general for these circumstances? sorry this is all over the place! LOL! :)

[@MangoStreet]

both! some fun ones for you / some nice ones for your grandparents and that linkedin meme.

[@Sam-hq1zj]

Oooo, question time: always loved the few film's you've mentioned as inspirations for some shoots so im wondering what are some of your favourite films? or a film that you'd love to do another inspired photo shoot for?

[@MangoStreet]

anything wes anderson. though it’s not a movie, we’re particularly enamored with the color pallet in the marvelous mrs. maisel right now. you should do a shoot inspired by midge 🤝

[@brianparker9695]

I've been following you both for a few years and I have learned and applied so many of your insights into my own photography work. Seeing another Northern Indiana kid thriving in LA really makes me appreciate where I came from and where I'm going - also a little less alone. You're both incredible and I know everyone else down here in the comments appreciates and values you both to no end. I always look forward to your videos and can't wait for the next one!

[@MangoStreet]

just a handful of hoosiers goofin' off in places we don't belong

[@yosephjaphar]

Best hybrid camera 2019? Best photo camera 2019? Best video camera 2019? I love you guys, please have children. All the best in 2020 and congrats for 1 millions subscribers in February 29th!

[@MangoStreet]

1. eos r or sony a73 2. still the ol' canon 5d mark iv 3. bmpcc 6k

[@benedettabaldan230]

Hey! I'm planning to take some self portraits and this came in handy! I had a question tho, how can I meet some photography lovers like me to hang around with? (I'm 15)

[@MangoStreet]

idk we have a hard time meeting people too. facebook groups / meetups / idk! just let people know what you do!

[@EbukaMordi]

I am definitely making this my routine from now on.

[@MangoStreet]

let's see it!

[@robynholmslice]

Hi!!! What's your favorite film to use and what's your favorite 35m film camera? :-)

[@MangoStreet]

portra 160 and 400 are our go-tos. i only shot one roll with it, but i really enjoyed the canon ae-1. our main film camera is the leica m6.

[@SebastianSavoy]

I've been following you guys for about two years now. Every time I get the notification, I start to smile. You guys are amazing!

[@MangoStreet]

thanks for following and smiling!

[@buzzbutt360]

So I have a question I’m a photography student wanting to start my business as soon as possible I’m surrounded by small businesses, should I go around and try to get business or put my portfolio out on a hiring site where people can request my business? Hopefully you can answer this :)

[@MangoStreet]

yes! if you feel confident in your ability, definitely stop by as many local businesses as possible. hand them a business card (old school, but so are many business owners) and make sure your social media presence showcases work they can hire you for. real estate brokerages, car dealerships, law firms, restaurants... hit 'em up!

[@BrownieX001]

Do you plan to do any fuji camera film simulation videos? Or fuji cameras in general? Where do you want to travel the most this year?

[@MangoStreet]

nah, nothing against fuji, we just aren't that interested in gear! we'd love to travel to italy this year.

[@catarinarierep]

Besides instagram (considering the shitty algorithm), what would you say is the best platform for creators and sharing content right now?

[@MangoStreet]

honestly, youtube has really exploded. many IG photographers are starting youtube channels. that's only great if you like making videos, though. IG does seem to be dying out a little and i think they need to innovate or a new platform will have to take its place.

[@sennoevers249]

Am I the only on that is just writing a comment to brag that the KZbinr actually responded?

[@MangoStreet]

no, i think there may be a few others around here!

[@peterfrancisco1599]

I just want to let you guys know that you guys have been there with me throughout my journey in photography; you both have taught me so much these past few years and I cannot thank you enough for your great quality videos. I love you guys and thank you for continuously inspiring me.

[@MangoStreet]

we’re with you right now even. look left!

[@anjai4448]

Entering a high school photo contest (RMSP for anyone wanting to join). Any tips for photos that will actually ‘’WOW” the judges? I have until February 29th to get some photos up until then

[@MangoStreet]

take similar steps to this video. develop a concept. really plan it out. what are the colors and environment? do you need to do set decoration or bring props? make sure you really know what you want to achieve with it. even do a test shoot if you're able and look to see what you can improve. sometimes it's easier to notice things when you're standing there with the camera rather than a week before the shoot at home. good luck!

[@anjai4448]

Mango Street Thank you so much, I’m kinda nervous since I actually want to win this year

[@harjeevdhillonphoto]

You guys are amazing your videos and your pictures which always inspires me thanks allot how do you guys do this all the time

[@MangoStreet]

it can be hard to keep it going - sometimes i (daniel) have to take breaks when i get creatively drained.

[@jithin]

What's the story behind the name 'Mango Street'? PS love you guys

[@MangoStreet]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXimoa2ahcd6rrc

[@macicollie8784]

Idk how to say this but you guys are super cool and you've really inspired me. Since watching you guys I've really tried to think outside the box and be unique with my photos, even though my friends don't really get it and think it's weird 😅

[@therealzuluking]

You guys should use the Pixel 4 to do still wool photography as well as long exposures that would be very cool and would allow other people to see the capabilities of What the Pixel 4 can do. I posted a few examples on my Instagram. Gulf Coast Pictures

[@MangoStreet]

sure, send us one 🤝

[@therealzuluking]

@@MangoStreet I'm going to send a few to y'alls Instagram DM

[@dylanbaker4160]

How do you get your creative vibe back when your just not feeling it?

[@MangoStreet]

we always say this, but: a) take a break from photography and try other creative endeavors. b) try shooting a different genre of photography. for instance, if you're a product photography, go try and shoot street. if you're a portrait photographer, go shoot landscapes!

[@Fighting4theFaith]

I wanted to THANK YOU for your approach to sharing your knowledge of this wonderful medium. I find myself returning to rewatch many of your videos as I apply myself to improving my skills as an artist and photographer. Your videos not only give me a framework for thinking through the technical aspects of photography, they work from the basic presupposition that the technical skills are always to be employed in helping me and even pushing me to express my own personal creativity and finding my unique artistic voice.

[@MangoStreet]

thank you for the kind words and for watching our videos!

[@GabrielPopoff]

The content from this channel is pure gold!!

[@MangoStreet]

The content from this comment is pure gold!!

[@TheBigNegative-PhotoChannel]

What is the best cam....just kidding. I appreciate your work to the fullest all the years I follow you guys on YT. The strangeness of this shoot is really refreshing. If you could just tell one thing that would be the one important thing someone should have told you. What would it be? (sorry for the hard question🙈)

[@MangoStreet]

the difference between seals and sea lions is one has ear holes and one has ear flaps.

[@TonyYeungExe]

self-portrait is fun, would the technique be different from using cell phone and using DSLR/mirrorless?

[@MangoStreet]

same technique!

[@Mermaidswave]

you guys are such a huge inspiration- when i feel lost in my photography you always help me find my way back to the style i truly love. both of you are so talented, thank you for creating and sharing it with us! also, what are each of your favorite songs at this moment?

[@MangoStreet]

that is such a nice thing to say. umm we are both jamming to brian fallon's new song "21 days."

[@battulgaerdembilig5949]

thanks for the tip I've been thinking and planing to take self portrait a lot lately

[@MangoStreet]

you are most welcome!

[@scept3r.studios]

After watching Mango Street, my head was full of photography ideas

[@bhaskarkakati]

Can't wait for you to break that 1M ceiling. Seems like forever. Have been following your MOODY work since the early days of the channel. Always watching out for new photoshoots and tutorials. Say Hi to Carlton for me 😄 Good vibes only!!✌️

[@ruth7352]

Really helpful thanks for the tips 😊👍🏾.

[@MangoStreet]

yay, thanks for watching!

[@khusigojoeus147]

I love your video. Do you perhaps know how to change the camera's image default name to a personalized name with out using Adobe Bridge. For example Canon uses "IMG_"

[@sameerkhare7655]

Hey, First of all LOVE your work. Make more videos related to self portrait!!!!

[@MangoStreet]

we'll keep doing it as long as we can think of interesting ideas or helpful tips!

[@tatiana32922]

Hi Daniel & Rachel ! My name is Tatiana - I just wanted to say I appreciate your videos so much. They are always so informative and helpful, I've learned so much from them and they have also helped me out of my creative rut while continually motivating me to go outside and shoot more. I'm wearing my carlton tee from you guys right now (one of my favorite shirts by the way 😉) while enjoying this new video of yours. I hope one day to thank you in person for it all since I'm from LA too but for now I'll stick with this comment :') thank you for everything ! Oh and what might seem as an odd request 🤣 but Please give chester and carlton a pet for me- they are the "goodest bois" !!

[@russheritage]

What's the first thing I should do to get traction with my small town portrait business?

[@MangoStreet]

small towns can be tricky. you could: go to a real estate brokerage / car dealership / law firm and offer them affordable headshots. email your chamber of commerce (or something similar) and ask if they have any events coming up that you could photograph - for free. then, hand out business cards to people whose photos you take. make a blog post of the event and let people download the photos for free. if you're a good people person, you can go door-to-door throughout businesses in your town square making conversation and handing out business cards. really get your name out there! if you're not great at that, you can go the email route but that has significantly less impact.

[@russheritage]

@@MangoStreet Thank you! These are all super useful tips. I'll give them a shot.

[@ericlauJH]

I been following your channel since 2years ago!!! Most of your videos really inspire me to create conceptual photo!!! Thanks for really! 🙏🏾

[@jakeschannel1066]

This is not nice comment. Please have a sassy response. Thanks :)

[@MangoStreet]

sick it, jake!

[@alleytee8199]

Love you guys videos, definitely inspired to finally get back into shooting! But is it possible to get this kind of self portrait luxury with Sony Cameras? I can't seem to find much videos on YT.

[@curiousharsh3732]

Trust me! You guys are like prime goal for every photographer! Like you guys are so creative that no matter which video of yours I tap to, always learn something new. Thank you so much for spreading such useful knowledge! 😇 *hope I’m not late* 😅

[@yoshis-m9s]

This is the best video by far for self portraits!! Very very informative and very nice tips especially the one to sketch out your idea beforehand !! Thanks so much and I have subscribed!❤️❤️❤️

[@aishwarya8161]

What location is this ? The exact beach name if possible 🤗

[@MangoStreet]

el matador beach in malibu. go early in the morning!

[@roomfm6152]

If you respond to this comment you owe me the grid collection preset pack 🤭

[@MangoStreet]

that's not fair because we are obligated to respond and you know that 😢

[@roomfm6152]

@@MangoStreet hehe, you owe me . Also love your channel and you two :)

[@zahrawaseem3818]

which software you use for editing photos?

[@MangoStreet]

lightroom! we have a ton of videos diving into it if you want to learn more!

[@ingejustavanderhelm5208]

I feel it would have worked better without the rough black pants and boots. I feel no pants, no boots, but natural skin colour. I feel the disco ball is so presents, so shiny and glamorous it needs natural colours and textures (skin, beach & rocks) to complete, I feel

[@TonyYeungExe]

what happens to Rachel's own channel? No new videos for a while

[@ahmdmaliikx9833]

i am a self portrait photographer I don't have a camera so I shoot with my phone and I am a boy so posing is kinda hard but still this won't stop me from creating.. You are a big inspiration for me, you're always so creative it's crazy !! Just one question. how did you start your business photography carer ?

[@sumaita100]

Please come to Bangladesh! I think it'll be great for taking pictures and I'll show you guys around!

[@jorgesuarez2912]

Don't know if you guys made a video on this or not but you should definitely make a video on using reflectors. Many people like myself would probably love to see the different uses and advantages of them. Thanks! Love the vids!

[@krishughes-craig2575]

Well executed guys! Thank you! Inspiring. Please come to Cape Cod.

[@russelljulessumalinog9053]

Both of you inspired me and my girlfriend on pursueing our dreams as photographers and filmmakers, one question, how to start your very first content on youtube? ofcorse about filmmaking but how will you plan on it?

[@Jajsjskksla]

So I am an upcoming fashion blogger and I have less than 1000 followers so I wanted to request u guys to give me tips to grow as a fashion blogger and become successful and stand out. Yes I know numbers don’t represent anything but still if u could give me some tips such as what hashtags to use or how to find them or anything it would mean a lot.

[@fernweholic1476]

hi guys. i have been following you for a while now and i have a question. Why banannas if you are "mango" street? I know mango street comes from the book "the house on mango street" but what about banannas?☀️

[@yungmew2]

what do you guys do when you go through a period of lack of inspiration/motivation to go out and do? Thanks for always putting in attention to detail and work into your videos, always comes out perfect!

[@AddieDutskinova]

Great questions :) I look forward to the answer.

[@omem95]

Love the video, it would be nice to have the same about self portrait shot on phone (eg. iPhone). I personally do not own a camera. But love self portraits, its hard for me to execute them only using my phone.

[@krisingelsson]

So frickin hard to do self portraits, tried last week, will try these advise. A few of them anyway. Awesome video. Would still like a sassy comment if there isn't to much of a time diffrence and lost my chance for a respons. 😂

[@twinningbit]

alright you want my comment i'll give you a comment, would you rather have a dog with a cat’s personality or a cat with a dog’s personality?

[@Mariam-lv8to]

What’s the best portrait photography camera for beginners with any budget? Plz answer

[@jenlifooklui]

I love you guys！what do you think of using a GoPro for cinematic shot? Any tips? :)

[@sethlenox3997]

Should I major in photography? Or try to develop a business in photography as a hobby and focus on another major?

[@JamesBond-uq7si]

I love your work but why do you hide tour face in a portrait, it does tell à story and is well composed but calling it à portrait doesn't do it justice. Keep creating !

[@dayumbro1536]

Hey,i wanted to ask if 50mm can be enough to start taking good portraits? Because it’s the only cheap one i can think of😂

[@IndieJenny]

Do you think it sends out a weird idea if many of pictures are self-portraits? I'd like to show my portfolio but I don't want people to find it weird that the photographer mostly has pictures of herself.

[@beanblurr6419]

Hi ! I’m looking for a Tripod like you used in the video for my canon 200D do you have any recommendation ?

[@lovecraftsforlife1694]

I don't know if you guys are still responding or not but what camera do you recommend for beginners that work well in film a photo? I'm still a teen so I can't get anything too fancy.

[@zekhor1140]

Keep up the good content guys! I hope I'm able to achieve what you guys did for the community, about to start up a new channel!

[@sorryforyourIoss]

How do you start making money with film photography? Do you prefer 35mm or medium format for potraits?

[@g5kj1987]

I didn't know there were apps you could use that can take the picture for you. Do you know what apps those are? I have the Canon Rebel t6

[@TrumpetDoc]

Day late and a dollar short, but I love your videos Mango Street, inspired me to go out and take some photos on a mental health day from work. Much love

[@rake1089]

Just want to say you guys are amazingly creative and the way you teach is to the point and memorable. Based in Denver and would love to meet you guys if you ever come out!

[@romeojespinoza9821]

Here's A Not Nice Comment.....

[@MangoStreet]

suck it!

[@VegardThefilmmaker]

This comment is art ™️

[@MangoStreet]

if i respond, do you own the copyright?

[@MangoStreet]

gonna tape it to the wall and see how much i can get for it at auction!

[@VegardThefilmmaker]

@@MangoStreet haha yeah :)

[@ayosanya1478]

It’s not a question but can y’all do a video in regards to flash photography and how to use it to supplement inadequate lighting conditions e.g indoors if you don’t have all those lighting gear

[@allisonoliviamoon]

LOVED this video. I'm a self-portrait photographer and what you lined out is basically my process. I like when people try to make it interesting and unique, something that makes me STOP scrolling and go "... oh, woah." You know? Ps: I also draw out my photos 🤓Love what you guys do, keep it up.

[@MangoStreet]

that's awesome, allison! thanks for watching :)

[@mikenjuki]

Since beginning the journey of youtube, is there anything you guys would've done differently if you were to start over? 😊

[@SweetLouPhotography]

Perfect timing. Favorite A24 film and why (both of you please)

[@MangoStreet]

daniel is playing basketball right now with gym acquaintances and will properly divorce me if i stopped the game to ask him, so i’m just going to assume it’s A Ghost Story like me. we played it at our wedding 🤝

[@SweetLouPhotography]

@@MangoStreet that's sick. What do you guys think the note said??? I adore that ending so much.

[@westonevisuals]

Few questions regarding the BMPCC6K: 1. When color correcting/grading footage from the BMPCC6K, do you stick to Premier or jump into Resolve? 2. How does editing the raw video footage from the BMPCC6K compare to editing raw photos from say a DSLR? 3. Is there anything about the BMPCC6K that you wish it was better at? Specific features you wish it had? Thanks for the crazy good content!

[@MangoStreet]

1. just premiere 2. not nearly as much latitude pushing it around 3. love the camera, just wish the battery life was better. no other complaints, really!

[@iamsabitao7084]

how do you edit your videos? love you.

[@MangoStreet]

we use premiere. dump all of the footage and assets in there and just start laying out a timeline. usually takes between 10-20 hours for the average video.

[@santiagoadonis5926]

thoughts on The Kooks? (band)

[@MangoStreet]

know the name, couldn't name a song

[@NathanHoang]

You guys are awesome 🙏🏼 Question: What about self portraits for guys that won’t look cheesy ? 🤔😃

[@Fantxtik]

They actually have a video on male photos that helped me a bit with my self-portraits!

[@NathanHoang]

Fantxtik i must have missed that one. Thanks 🙏🏼

[@MangoStreet]

that's true. we have at least two videos on posing males that you should check out. in general, you can pose however you feel and see what angles work well for you on camera.

[@NathanHoang]

Mango Street thanks guys, will definitely binge-watch your videos again 🙌

[@dannyderrick]

Hope your hands aren't hurting from typing all of these replies! Thanks for making such great content and for always getting straight to the point. I know everyone appreciates it.

[@MangoStreet]

my wrists are hurting, but it's worth it! y'all are so nice.