My first self portrait

[kaintheo]

Hi, as the title says really, any pointers or opinions appreciated.

Camera = Sony A550 with 18mm to 55mm standard kit lens
F-stop = f/3.5
Exposure time = 0.8 sec
ISO = 200
Focal length = 18mm
Flash = off

I then cropped and rotated the image to have an even backround and converted it to black and white. The only light source was an LED headtorch resting on my chest of drawers.

[windrider86]

Here is the link for you read thru the guidelines so you'll know, without a doubt, what should be included and what shouldn't

Please try and ask something specific that you want help with. Gives others a good idea of what to help you with

[kaintheo]

Originally Posted by windrider86

Here is the link for you read thru the guidelines so you'll know, without a doubt, what should be included and what shouldn't

Please try and ask something specific that you want help with. Gives others a good idea of what to help you with

Hi, thanks for the link however I am very new to photography so it's hard for me to ask specific questions about things I don't have any experience with.
For example- If I ask about compostition but somebody spots a problem with lighting or exposure does this mean they shouldn't reply? I need as much feedback about anything to help me as I,m a complete novice.

Thanks.

[The Weird Witch]

To me it seems like there should be more light on the eyes, the light is currently mainly on the chin, which feels a bit strange. Also the eyes could be a little more focused. The eyes are the first thing one is drawn to in pictures of animals and people so you should always do your best to keep them sharp, unless of course you have made an artistic decision not too
Otherwise I like the image. Low light and B&W work well together. ^_^
The Weird Witch

[kaintheo]

Originally Posted by The Weird Witch

To me it seems like there should be more light on the eyes, the light is currently mainly on the chin, which feels a bit strange. Also the eyes could be a little more focused. The eyes are the first thing one is drawn to in pictures of animals and people so you should always do your best to keep them sharp, unless of course you have made an artistic decision not too
Otherwise I like the image. Low light and B&W work well together. ^_^
The Weird Witch

Thanks for the tip on lighting, my light source was from below to prevent any shadow forming on my eyes from the hat I was wearing. I might try 2 seperate sources maybe?