The artist Sam Taylor-Wood produced a series of self portraits a few years ago called Suspended, images in which the artists defies the laws of gravity. These beautiful, poignant images, spectacular and reflective of her personality and passion, are inspiring. It's an amazing thing to attempt.

Self portraiture, from drawings to painting and photography has also been part of the human experience. In some ways, the ability to draw or take a picture of oneself, however real or distorted it might be, is an exercise in proving that one exists.

"I click a picture of myself, therefore I am," Descartes might have said had he a camera instead of a quill.

Depending on the reasons behind wanting to produce a self portrait, it can be quite a daunting prospect. A photographer, after all, is, in general, rarely interested in his own countenance – the world and the people in it are his subjects, not him.

As such, to be alone and taking pictures of oneself can be disconcerting, especially if you're trying to create something meaningful. But, this is a phase that soon passes and self portraiture becomes a lifelong project.

Where to start? Susan Bright, a curator and writer, author of the photobook Auto Focus: The Self Portrait in Contemporary Photography came up with five overlapping themes to explore: autobiography, body, studio, album and masquerade.

In some ways, a self portrait has to embellish or at least heighten the personality. Take for example a picture by Zhang Huan entitled Homeland. The Chinese photographer covered himself in raw meat until his body shape resembled that of a hulking body builder.

It's a play on many things – body builders are referred to as meatheads and though a critique perhaps, Huan is bringing up his own demons regarding how he sees himself and how he might want to be.

Things to consider when taking a self portrait include the use of a tripod, a remote to take control of the camera from a distance – plenty of wireless options now available along with the traditional cable ones – and lighting.

With photo-editing software you even greater freedom to create powerful self portraits. Without it for example, Sam Taylor-Wood could not have produced the gravity-defying images in her Suspended series. She'd have just looked rather ridiculous with the harnesses still in shot. Without them, the images resonate.

Made in response to overcoming cancer, her floating body says I am free.