Taking a picture of yourself may not be as hard as you think. The most common method is to simply frame a setting and use the self-timer to give you a moment to get into the scene before the shutter is released. Another method is to use a mirror, although this usually means the camera will also be in the scene. If you don’t a picture of yourself with a camera up to your face, focus first, then hold the camera at chest level or off to one side to take the photo. Remember that autofocus will usually focus on the mirror’s surface, rather than the image reflected in it. If you want to use autofocus, first focus on an object that's at the same distance as the reflection, lock in that focus, and then take the photograph.
By learning the lighting and posing techniques used for taking photographic portraits, you can create expressive images that reveal the true character of the person in the scene.