Low-key self-portrait

[AdrenoJunkie]

Ok so I decided to give low-key a go, but something seems off in this. I just can't put my finger on it. Can anybody help me out? Any pointers on this style are appreciated. I was also wondering how you get the b&w where the whites are really white? Particularly skin in portraits. Mine always seem to still be more gray than I want them to be.

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Exposure: 0.067 sec (1/15)
Aperture: f/4.0
Focal Length: 60 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire

[mpaulison]

Firstly, this is a nice image.
On your question... what I noticed that seemed a little off was that the front shadow, while nice in this type of portrait is a bit angular and sharp. It looks as if something is laying on the image. Soften that shadow a bit and it's perfect.
What I do for that white thing is brighten the reds up a little during the B&W conversion. Then, if more is needed a Levels adjustment in Photoshop usually does it for me.
Now I feel like trying a low-key portrait, too.

[SusanH1970]

The harshness of the shadows is what's off to me, as well.

As the previous poster mentioned, a levels adjustment would help in bumping the whites up. Either that or curves, which gives you even more control than levels.

[AdrenoJunkie]

Originally Posted by mpaulison

Firstly, this is a nice image.
On your question... what I noticed that seemed a little off was that the front shadow, while nice in this type of portrait is a bit angular and sharp. It looks as if something is laying on the image. Soften that shadow a bit and it's perfect.
What I do for that white thing is brighten the reds up a little during the B&W conversion. Then, if more is needed a Levels adjustment in Photoshop usually does it for me.
Now I feel like trying a low-key portrait, too.

Thank you. I see what you guys mean about the shadow now. Didnt notice it before. How would I go about softening it? I've only been into photography since Dec. and am still trying to wrap my head around lighting and shadows. Ya know I've adjusted reds and adjusted levels, but I don't think I've ever tried both, thanks. Post your results if you did try one!

@SusanH1970

I've dabbled with curves, it's still a lil daunting to me to be honest, but I guess I'll hafta give it a try. Thanks for the tip.