self portrait help

[Gavlar82]

Hey, was hoping to do a few self portraits, nothing to fancy just a few shots of me in my bedroom, tried a few things but always get bad shadows or distracting background. wanted a few shots cos the gf asked me for a few. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
not using any off camera lighting because i dont have any. and also cant use the d300 because i have not remote shutter so back to the d40 which is fine but severly lacking inspiration.
been looking through the portrait section here and also slightly clueless as to how best to process an image if i get a decent one to start with.

 

[Triggaaar]

always get bad shadows... distracting background...not using any off camera lighting because i dont have any... cant use the d300 because i have not remote shutter

Since you're having so many problems, and your girlfriend asked for them, I suggest you start by positioning your girlfriend where you intend to pose, and take photos of her (with D300). You will more quickly be able to get these right, and then pose in her place. If you havn't got a very good background, lose it a little with a wide ish aperture (but still tidy it up a bit first).

Do not use your cameras in-built flash (unless really low power just to balance). Find something like white paper/card/silver foil on cardboard to reflect what light you have. If that light is a window, try having it to the side of the subject so light goes across their (your) face, with the reflector the other side to fill the shadows. And don't do it when the sun is beaming through the window.
I hope you're using a tripod, and then when all set-up you can use your D300 with the self timer (nothing wrong with D40 but D300 is obviously better).
Also pre-set the WB (set WB to pre on your D300 and take a picture of a grey card under the light you'll be using, or if no grey card try and find a neutral white card (some white paper is enhanced to make it look whiter).

 

[Gavlar82]

Hey thanks for the reply, actually found an old reflector in the closet i forgot i had, so will use this to help balance out the light a little.
thanks once again for the advice, off to have a second go with a now hopefully distraction free background.