Parental Advisory

[auclerct1]

I just got a DSLR for Christmas and have been learning learning learning! I have been trying my hand at self portraits lately but keep coming up short I think up a great idea in my head but can never seem to get my portraits to "pop" the way most others do. Any suggestions/critiques/tips/etc. you might have to make this picture stand out more would be greatly appreciated! And feel free to edit the picture as you would see fit...I'm a visual learner!

Thanks again!

-Tristin




Nikon D70
ISO 200
Shutter 1/200
Aperture F9
Focal Length 22mm

[zona5101]

Nice work, nice concept. For a tip to make your portraits pop more, work on your lighting. Direct flash is tough. It's not very flattering and can't give you a nice 3-d feel. Small single light sources tend to be more harsh and contrasty with specular highlights & unflattering shadows that don't often work for portraits. Also single light with out a reflector or an additional light source makes it difficult to add separation from the background that can be provided with a hair or rim light.

[auclerct1]

Thanks so much Zonas! I feel silly that I didn't even think about the lighting...but it definitely makes sense...looking back on some of my other pictures that's one of the main problems....harsh light...weird shadows.....I really appreciate your help!!!!