improving...

[james p]

...but still not there. i know this is a typical head shot, but i feel like this is still a bit "off." not sure if it's because of composition, not enough contrast, or what. the hard part is i'm taking these self portraits by myself...

can you help with some feedback please?

camera: Nikon D90
focal length: 50mm
aperture: f/3.2
exposure: .8 sec
iso: 200

[kleidascope]

Admire the courage to do self portraits thats for sure. Just my opinion - by no means am I any expert the shadow in the background is distracting, shadow lines on the glasses. Are you using flasH?
play with the contrast a little more??? Maybe the face is too bright?

[mvalentin]

indeed the shadow is distracting, the focus is off, needs to be sharp all around the face with a dof.

[james p]

thanks mvalentin!

[james p]

kleidascope: thanks for the feedback! i'm not using a flash, i'm experimenting with ambient lights. i definitely see that the background is distracting.

[outamyway]

The focus issue was my main point of distraction here. If even just your eyes were in focus it would have made such a difference.

[rengles]

I agree with outamyway... the first thing to catch my eye is that the eyes don't really catch my eye

I like the lighting on the face, though I'm afraid the black spot in the lower left corner might be blown out/too dark to lighten. Maybe retake with some fill light on that side?

overall nice composition I think, and I like the overall contrast on the face