Self-Portrait

[KagoGrl]

Hi all, I got good responses on my last post so thought I'd get your opinions on this. I've never had much luck with SPs but I keep trying! With this one I already thnk that I'd prefer to have caught my full head but I don't mind it too much.

I'd like to know if anyone else can spot anything. It was taken in the light of a window and I used Adobe Lightroom to add some fill light to the dark side. Next time I try I'm going to experiment with flash bouncing (and I need to get a reflector). I think either of those would help make the image a lot sharper.

Can anyone give suggestions for future lighting? Or composition? etc.

ISO 100, 55mm, f/9.0, 1/13 sec.

[windrider86]

Its too dark one one side and your face is just a bit too shiny. I migth have lost the necklace as well but you sure do have abeautiful smile!

[KagoGrl]

I agree with the light, thanks for confirming that for me. And I hadn't thought of the necklass so thanks!

Any suggestions for how to avoid a dark face when your light options are so limited? Simply flash? Or can anyone suggest a make-shift reflector?

[windrider86]

I use one of those car windshield reflectors that you put on your car to save your dash. Or a large piece of white cardboard or paper will also do the trick.
Depending on what program you use for editing you can also add a fill flash in later.

[KagoGrl]

Yea I don't have car reflector, but I had heard that. Poster board's a good idea too. I tried to add fill flash but without getting a "fake" look to the shot. I think I'm going to have to reshoot and play around with using sheets or something to get some better light.

Thanks.

[akshatrathi294]

I love natural pictures, it's an achievement if I can get the right picture wihout processing. In self-portraits I appreciate the picture with the flaws (e.g. mole on the skin) of a person as it is...but I think it doesn't hurt to use some processing to hide these flaws...your not distracted by these flaws then...

For eg the mole under your left eye...I just think its stands out a little. Please don't be offended. I do not mean to say it's bad but the way this picture is taken that mole stands out...hope you get what I mean...

As for the compostion I think I would a little deeper down the neck to show a little more of the necklace. I liked the lighting though...no suggestions on that.

[jdepould]

What camera are you using? f/9 seems awfully small.

[KagoGrl]

I have a Canon Rebel 300D and was using my 18-55mm lens. I usually use my 70-300mm lens for portraits so that I don't have to sit right on top of the subject, but for self-portraits I have to use my shot one so that I can reach my trigger (it's corded so distance is limited).

I'm doing a shoot with a friend today and am going to play around with different apertures.
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akshatrathi294,
No offense taken regarding the mole, I have it, and I know I didn't realize it stood out though. I'll take a look at that in post-processing. I'll also soften the skin a little - cut down on the "shine".
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I'm starting to like the slightly darkened side of my face - it makes the other side look a little more sun warmed (if you know what I mean). Do y'all think it's too dark?

[wulf]

It is a very naked self-portrait - not in the sense of nudity but showing yourself in cold, harsh light (although, particularly because of your smile, not unflattering). One thing to consider is whether that is what you are setting out to show through the picture - you could go for warmer colours, a bit of "repair" and less shininess but that might not be your aim. As a more natural approach, you could brush your hair foward a bit; having it all the way back again makes you very exposed.

Two other quick thoughts - firstly, personally, I like the effect of the necklace (it would be even more naked without it!); secondly, if you crop off the side of the head, consider also cropping off the top of the head (above the hairline but truncating the curve of the hair).

Wulf

[KagoGrl]

Thanks for all the great suggestions. I'm going to play around with it and the rest from the shoot, as well as my shoot from today and will post the results and a link to them.

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wulf,

Do you think that softening the skin would be better? or just different? I typically edit portraits in photoshop and soften the skin while sharpening the eyes, etc. but I didn't this time. This is also the first time I've successfully shot a "sharp" SP.