Self Portrait

[Ginger Pixie]

I'm hoping to take more self portraits, but this was a bit of a trial run using my strobes.

I shot with a ringflash, and a strobe on 1/2 power behind to the left.

I know it's not the most creative portrait, but wondered whether anyone could give me some feedback on the lighting / composition etc please?

Exposure 0.004 sec (1/250)
Aperture f/4.5
Focal Length 33 mm
ISO Speed 400

[MrJones]

I think the lightning is too harsh and strong. your face is so bright it is actually making it hard to look at.
composition wise it's pretty ordinary like you said and I'm not fond of the curved corners but that's a matter of taste.
you did get the eyes in focus and everything nice and sharp.
why aren't you looking at the camera btw?

[Ginger Pixie]

Originally Posted by MrJones

I think the lightning is too harsh and strong. your face is so bright it is actually making it hard to look at.
composition wise it's pretty ordinary like you said and I'm not fond of the curved corners but that's a matter of taste.
you did get the eyes in focus and everything nice and sharp.
why aren't you looking at the camera btw?

I didn't realise my face was that bright... Maybe I need to adjust my screen. Or my eyes!

There were a few shots where I was looking at the camera, I just preferred this one. I didn't think you always had to look at the camera?

Thanks for taking the time to comment, much appreciated.

[MrJones]

I didn't say you have to look at the camera, just asked why cause you are facing the camera and your eyes go completely to the right... makes you wonder what was there.

[Ginger Pixie]

Originally Posted by MrJones

I didn't say you have to look at the camera, just asked why cause you are facing the camera and your eyes go completely to the right... makes you wonder what was there.

Oh! ha - my daughter pulling faces at me!

[Digidave]

I didn't realise my face was that bright... Maybe I need to adjust my screen. Or my eyes!

It appears really bright on my screen also. Your forehead is completely washed out.

[WooD]

Originally Posted by Digidave

It appears really bright on my screen also. Your forehead is completely washed out.

+1

It's still a really cute image of you. Love your eyes, and smile.

[oldwolf]

Originally Posted by Digidave

It appears really bright on my screen also. Your forehead is completely washed out.

+2

I like you looking away because it makes me wonder what's there and/or what kind of mischevious thoughts are running through your head hehe.

[EOBeav]

Ginger, it's bright, but I don't think you ruined it by blowing any highlights. It's a great pose. Open it back up in LR, or PS, or whatever you're using, and tone it down to where it needs to be. Use a brush if you have to, and keep an eye on your histogram. This shot has a lot of potential.

[Ginger Pixie]

Originally Posted by Digidave

It appears really bright on my screen also. Your forehead is completely washed out.

Oh dear.

Originally Posted by WooD

+1

It's still a really cute image of you. Love your eyes, and smile.

Originally Posted by oldwolf

+2

I like you looking away because it makes me wonder what's there and/or what kind of mischevious thoughts are running through your head hehe.

Originally Posted by EOBeav

Ginger, it's bright, but I don't think you ruined it by blowing any highlights. It's a great pose. Open it back up in LR, or PS, or whatever you're using, and tone it down to where it needs to be. Use a brush if you have to, and keep an eye on your histogram. This shot has a lot of potential.

Thanks everyone. I was going for a high key type look - but obviously I have overdone it. Thanks for the comments and advice, I think I will revisit the raw file and pull it back a bit.

I really appreciate the input