Challenging Myself

[docxnoel]

This is another self portrait, I am challenging myself to pose and to shoot for my camera, I like how the way it turn but it's just for my taste. My question are, do you like the composition, the way it's cropped, how about the lighting falling on my sides just to give me a little illumination, the conversion to black and white, and what else can I do, you have the priveledge to edit and share it to me what you have done in PP... Thanks in advance.



Exif data
Camera Canon EOS 500D
Exposure 0.04 sec (1/25)
Aperture f/5.6
Focal Length 23 mm
ISO Speed 100
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire

[docxnoel]

i wish someone will tear it apart

[kevingeary]

You didn't follow the forum instructions for posting yet.

[Niresangwa]

Personally, I really like it. As 'selfies' go, the composition here, to me, is exquisite. The lines on the carpet, the position you placed yourself in the frame, the discord between the angle of the legs vs the upper body, the way you're peeking under the topside and engaging the camera, all very nice.

Technically, the hotspot on the carpet is a bit of a distraction unfortunately, given the darkness of the body. Maybe the BW Conversion caused that? I like the lighting on the contours of the arms and collar bone.. I wish there was a litte more light on the face, but its very dynamic as it is... not sure how much is a product of the shot, and how much is the B&W PP. It would be a chore to maintain the delicate highlights while still bringing up the exposure, but it could be done.. i suppose the value of the image to you is the discerning factor here.

So no need to rip it apart, I really like this one.

[xxrayna]

I like the contrast of this photo and the texture of the floor. I also like the expression on your face. I don't like that your body seems to be hunched over to one side (maybe trying to fit yourself into the frame?). I also don't like that you've cut off part of your head. I'd like to see this one cropped with less floor and more head.

[docxnoel]

Originally Posted by kevingeary

You didn't follow the forum instructions for posting yet.

What instructions? can you please point out.

[docxnoel]

Thanks to Nirengsawa and Xxrayna for your inputs, it is really appreciated.

[BigFuzzy]

Originally Posted by Niresangwa

Personally, I really like it. As 'selfies' go, the composition here, to me, is exquisite. The lines on the carpet, the position you placed yourself in the frame, the discord between the angle of the legs vs the upper body, the way you're peeking under the topside and engaging the camera, all very nice.

Technically, the hotspot on the carpet is a bit of a distraction unfortunately, given the darkness of the body. Maybe the BW Conversion caused that? I like the lighting on the contours of the arms and collar bone.. I wish there was a litte more light on the face, but its very dynamic as it is... not sure how much is a product of the shot, and how much is the B&W PP. It would be a chore to maintain the delicate highlights while still bringing up the exposure, but it could be done.. i suppose the value of the image to you is the discerning factor here.

So no need to rip it apart, I really like this one.

Crap.. had a nice long post but accidentally clicked elsewhere and lost it.
Shorter answer:
Agree with Steve (as usual). Hot spot on carpet is the only element I'd like to see you correct.
Like that theface is darker because you can still see relevant details (ie eyes).
Your body language is difficult to read (for me) so it adds an element of "huh?" to the image which, for me, is always good.
The light coming over your shoulder hitting your collarbone is awesome.

The leading lines are awesome.
Maybe a bit less vignetting on the bottom if possible though I think it's a residual of the stong overhead light.
As an alternative version.. would have been cool to see a version with you not looking at the camera.. maybe down to the floor.. maybe eyes closed?

Still, all in all a great image which I thought I had commented on before. Well done!

[docxnoel]

Thank you so much Bigfuzzy, Im taking notes all your comments and suggestions, with the four months of reading threads in DPS and reading all of your advices in critique section or in any place regardless if its my work or from others...I think, I'm learning and I will continue. I am not heading to make a photography as a business, I just want to make my spare time valuable to produce a pro quality images.

Another thing, I am stucked here in saudi arabia where photography is a bit prohibited, I can't shoot to much outside, any suggestion to improve this skills, I'm also participating in DPS weekly assignments and challenges. I want when I'm coming home in december (Philippines), I am much ready to capture my homeland sceneries and my own culture.