"Know the rules of composition and then break them," Marina says. "I like to think more about emotions and the message of the shot. But, if I can, I try to follow the 'rule of thirds' and place information or details I consider to be important at intersection points."

Wanda agrees: "Subconsciously I might use these rules, but I believe photography now is more about fusing what was traditionally thought of as 'beautiful' with something out of the ordinary. My work always has an anachronistic element."

By its very definition, self-portraiture puts you in control. But, as Marina explains, there are ways to simplify the process. "A tripod is a must, or, at the very least, a flat, stable surface such as a table, a pile of books or a chair.

As with any shoot, Wanda suggests spending a little time planning beforehand, but advises not to let this restrict your creative flow. "Mood boards are a great starting point for deciding on poses, lights, vibe, clothes, hair and make-up," she says. "Then, as you start shooting, the whole process should evolve spontaneously, with new ideas forming throughout. Go with it and don't be afraid to play around. The end result might be totally different from what you imagined – sometimes ideas don't work in real life – but it's still a good starting point. The most important thing is to enjoy the process – and if you learn a few new things at the same time, then all the better."