Let’s be honest. Selfies are an art form, and like any art, they take practice, some ballsiness and a big dash of pizzaz. Enter Mira Mira’s self-portrait studio in Alexandria (across from The Grounds), which flips the script on the traditional photo shoot. There’s no photographer breathing down your neck, no awkward directions to “smoulder” when you’d rather just smile (or stick out your tongue). Here, you’re the model, the director and the photographer, all rolled into one superstar package.
Feeling uber nervous 
Getting the hang of it 
Can’t stop, won’t stop
Alfiya Nikilenko started the business from the ground up; they only opened their doors in August of this year. She got the idea from a guy she met accidentally when she went to his cafe, which was known for having the best hummus in Noosa. “I never thought that I was enough. My whole life, I was living like that.” She went to a yoga retreat then a silence retreat and had what she calls, “a transformational year.” She took advice to heart, learning to take time and to give OF herself TO herself. Her studio is about empowerment and fun. It’s different things to different people. “People start posing; everyone who comes in is confused at first. But they get tired of pretending, and then they start to enjoy it. They can be whoever they want to be here. It’s so freeing.”
Alfiya Nikolenko 
Mira Mira Studios
First Impressions: I can’t help it, I’m feeling the ick
Walking into the gorgeous studio, I’ll admit to being hit with a wave tsunami of self-consciousness. There’s something about being left alone in a room with just a mirror, a clicker and the weight of your own expectations. I persevered, though. THIS, I told myself, is a no-pressure way to transform from an anxious little caterpillar into a full-blown posing powerhouse. No pressure.
The studio itself is minimalist and chic. For your 45-minute booking, you have two choices: a studio with a pristine white backdrop or a dramatic black one. They’re both professionally kitted out with top-of-the-line lighting and cameras. Each has their charm, but I preferred the drama of the black one; my outfit really popped against it. Mira Mira is running a special now that provides access to both studios—run, don’t walk.
The white studio 
The black studio
Dress to express
Speaking of wardrobe, come prepared. I bought three outfits because why not? You’re in control here, so play around with different looks. Sit, stand, and dance like no one’s watching (because they’re not). And don’t forget the golden rule of shoes. To keep the backdrops in perfect shape, you’ll need to tape the bottom of any footwear (they have it there for you), or do as I did and just go barefoot. Its so easy! Look into the mirror, pose, click.
The soundtrack to your success
The real game changer for shaking off that initial ick? Your chosen soundtrack. For me, it was the new Sabrina Carpenter album. There’s something about having your favourite tunes playing that loosens you up and makes you feel like you’re in a music video rather than a photo shoot. By the time I was halfway through “Please, Please, Please,” I was enjoying myself immensely and definitely embarrassing no one.
Image in B&W 
Image in colour
A few tips on posing, since we’re talking about it? Prep is key. Before you even step foot in the studio, spend a little time on Pinterest. It’s a treasure trove of pose inspiration. Practice a few in front of your mirror at home; trust me, you’ll thank yourself later. Once you’re in the studio, with the clicker in hand, those rehearsed poses will get you started, and you’ll find yourself channelling your inner supermodel in no time.
The aftermath: speedy and satisfying
After you’ve exhausted your creative energy (and your 45-minutes), you’ll receive your images (all of them!) to your inbox within hours. Did I mention they come pre-edited? You can also customise them with filters. I chose some in black and white and some in colour. It’s pretty instant gratification. So, if you’re up for a bit of self-directed glamour, need some new profile or headshots or even just want to come with your partner, pet or progeny for some images to add to your photo wall, this is the spot.
So there you go! Who knew being your photographer could be so damn fun?
Mira Mira Studios is at 35-39 Bourke Road, Alexandria 2015. Located in the Workit Spaces, it’s across from The Grounds, 0411 103 808. When: 10.00 am – 8.00pm weekdays and weekends. Right now, book the entire space (allowing you to utilise both studios) for $280 on weekdays from 10am to 5pm and on weekends from 5pm to 8pm on the weekend.
Allow extra time for street parking. Bookings HERE.
