self portrait

[MKlem]

My first real self portrait, just wondering what your thoughts would be....mostly on composition and also the post processing (too far?) but all comments & cc are appreciated. Thanks!



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[tasmo2]

As far as the pp, I think that is totally up to you! I like it, but some won't. In the end, its a photo of you, for you, so its one you can do anything you want to express yourself! :0)

Now for the composition.. the only thing I see that I would personally change would be taking some off the top. There is so much empty space above your head and it also puts your eyes a bit to centered IMHO... I love the eyes... they capture you, A tighter crop eliminating the dead space on top would draw you in even more!

Dont forget to include your EXIF info!

[zona5101]

I love it!. I like the composition. I like the texturing. I love, love love the lighting. Looks like diffused window light. Soft highlights, mild shadow transitions but enough definition not to be flat and it's hitting you in just the rights spots/angles. Your eyes are also a big part of the strength of this image. Nice work. really well done.

[Naois]

I don't think I like the effect thats on it; as tasmo2 stated, it's definitely a personal choice.

But I think the model is beautiful.

[tasmo2]

Here is the crop I was thinking might work a bit better.. if you want me to remove it let me know and I will

[Niresangwa]

Exposure 0.2 sec (1/5)
Aperture f/8.0
Focal Length 32 mm
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash No Flash

Allison's crop is better, but I would liek to see the subject with more negative space on the left. Definitely needed to take some room off the top though.

As far as the texture, it doesn't work for me. It's over-powering, and while it livens up the white wall, relatively, it ruins the model, especially when its across the face. Again, just my opinion, but the simplicity of the white wall would have been more pleasing.

The lighting, as Bruce said, works well, and I'd agree with his assumption that it's a large natural lightsource and done very well.. even the hot area on the arm doesn't detract too much. I also like the ambiguous expression of the model.

I think you may benefit from a boost in contrast also. Between the white wall, black dress, pale skin and general absence of colour, it's feeling a little washed. Perhaps this was something you were aiming for, an overall desaturated 'vintage' look, in keeping with the texture, but...

...this is one image where the over-complication of the PPing removed one of the ultimate strengths of the image, which was it's unadorned purity.

[zona5101]

Originally Posted by Niresangwa

...this is one image where the over-complication of the PPing removed one of the ultimate strengths of the image, which was it's unadorned purity.

excellent comment

[scootermcq]

One more comment.... I think if you were on a slight angle to the camera, not straight on it would be more flattering..... I do like the image and you look great

[autofocus]

It's and interesting photo of a very pretty subject...but why would you want texture over that very pretty face. I have to agree with all of the positive and negative comments already mentioned above. As a self expression the photo may be OK, but when it comes to adhering to many of the basic guidelines of portraiture, it unfortunately, misses the mark. But, you know what some will say, "rules are meant to be broken," and likes and dislikes are a very subjective thing.

[carlyfan]

Great photo! I have to agree about the texture though. I think it's just too much - for me anyway. I do like Allison's crop, but I have to disagree with Scott, I like the straight on. But that's just me. You have amazing eyes, and the lighting is great. Nice job!

Lisa