Self Portrait #3

[EOBeav]

Just wanted to know your general comments about composition, use of lighting (including ambient/flash balance) and anything else you think would add to the discussion. Thanks in advance for your helpful feedback.

It'll be nice to get some different clients. This cranky guy is a load.


Self Portrait 3 by Rick.Scheibner, on Flickr

EXIF:
Camera Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Lens EF17-40mm f/4L USM
Exposure 0.017 sec (1/60)
Aperture f/7.1
Focal Length 33 mm
ISO Speed 200
Exposure Bias 0 EV

Converted and edited in Lightroom, slightly sharpened in GIMP

Strobist: Lumopro LP160 camera left and front, bare. Eastern Oregon setting sun behind camera (it wasn't possible to get the sun in this shot, in case you're wondering).

[SusanH1970]

The lighting looks good, if a tad flat. I'd have put the flash at more of an angle to add some subtle shadowing and depth. The balance with the ambient looks great, though.

I definitely prefer this SP to the one you posted earlier, by the swingset (?). This looks like a well-thought out portrait in comparison to that one.

Compositionally, I might have placed the camera a few steps to the right to create more of a leading line with the fence, but that's a nitpick.

Love the background and pose. Nicely done.

[EOBeav]

Originally Posted by SusanH1970

The lighting looks good, if a tad flat. I'd have put the flash at more of an angle to add some subtle shadowing and depth.

Thanks, I'd wondered if it was too far to the left, but your perspective is that it could have gone even more off axis. With a bare strobe at this time of the evening, I didn't want the light on my face to fall off too quickly.

I definitely prefer this SP to the one you posted earlier, by the swingset (?). This looks like a well-thought out portrait in comparison to that one.

Yes, I was finally able to get out of the backyard for once! :-)

Compositionally, I might have placed the camera a few steps to the right to create more of a leading line with the fence, but that's a nitpick.

I don't think it's a nitpick at all. I had actually come upon this place last minute, and I didn't get a chance to think through it as much as I would have. Also, I think I would have instinctively used that fence for a leading line more intuitively if I was able to work and make adjustments with somebody else actually in front of the camera.

Love the background and pose. Nicely done.

Thank you; I'm working on it.