How to do a creative self-portrait for my college photography class?

I need some creative photography tricks, or something to make my pictures stand out.

I use a Canon Rebel t2i Digital SLR.

Anything to help? thank you.

You can use reflections and compelling juxtaposition.

Spend some time visiting some websites where people post their self-portraits.

I defiantly would prefer getting SLR; however as a beginner and obviously someone that has not accomplished this goal yet, I don’t know what would be the best buy for what I’m trying to do. My goal is to basically travel around, take nature & portrait photography and sell to whoever I can. My question is: will SLR slow me down if I’m going to do a lot of hiking and moving around? Also, would I need to set up my tripod every shot? On the business of things, are people still interested in buying film? I figured because more people are using digital some may have certain prerequisites?

Please enlighten me on the matter!

And if you want to be really helpful, help me figure out what body camera I should get [:

I have no idea how this photography business works (as you clearly see)

I guess you have never hiked with a camera before.

I carry a dSLR with battery grip, a super wide angle lens, a macro lens and a 24-85 mm lens when I hike. I carry at least seven memory cards, one in the camera and a sixpak in a holder. I also carry one battery charger I use to charge the batteries when at the motel before the next days hiking adventure.

Basically you will want to learn how to use your camera before taking it on a hike or any traveling adventure.

It will take you a minimum of a few weeks sitting with your camera in your lap and the user manual in hand to learn how to use the camera without fumbling all over the place trying to use it, so buy it in plenty of time before you intend to use it

At this time, the most purchased dSLR cameras are the Nikon D5100 and Canon 600D. Both cost under $1,000 and have all the features a proficient photographer will require,.

I was at a nighttime event recently where there were different photographers shooting with their flashes, usually pointed at the person.

I saw one guy with his flash that pointed upward to the ceiling (0 degrees), and not at the subjects he was shooting. And it would be a very bright flash – I’m guessing full power.

Just wanted to know what effect he was going for. My guess is that it’s a different lighting/diffusing technique so you don’t get that harsh shadow from shooting the flash directly at them?

Yes, he was bouncing the flash off of the ceiling to avoid the bulletproof flash shadow and the deer in headlights look.