First self-portrait

[SamuelN]

Sorry if I mess up, this is my first post and I'm rather new at photography. Please be honest, I want to improve as much as possible. This is my first self-portrait. Are my eyes over done? Is the overall lighting good? Any suggestions are appreciated.

EXIF Data:

Camera: Canon T2i with 18-55m kit lens
F-stop: 4.5
Shutter speed: 1/80 sec.
ISO: 800
Focal length: 34mm
(I think that's everything I need to include?)

Thank you in advance!

[fais54]

I think the eyes looks really cool. I don't like the closeup crop, I think the photo would be more powerful with more negative black space going around. The lighting looks cool too. Good job, I like it.

[Tito87]

I think I would like to see a little less sharpening. It's a good first try, though. Welcome to the forum,btw.

[SamuelN]

Thank you both!

I agree about the negative space, unfortunately I shot it like that. I could edit more black in but I don't think it's worth it for this.
I tried to make it less sharp, I'm not sure it helped much though.

[EOBeav]

Yeah, your eyes are creeping me out just a little.

[Doug Sundseth]

First, I'm a little freaked out by the model you used. For your next self portrait, I'd recommend a different model.

What effect were you trying for? If you were looking for a flattering, classic portrait, I think you need to start over. If you were trying for something more "edgy axe murderer", you might want to close your mouth a bit.

Your lighting is a bit harsh and hot. I'd recommend pulling the key light a bit around toward the camera, dialing down the power a bit, and diffusing it a bit more. I rather like the balance between key and fill, though.

I'd like to see a bit more of the frame below the chin and a bit cropped off of each side. (You might try using a portrait orientation next time.)

You might want to consider using a background light or hair light to give yourself a bit of separation from the background as well. If you don't have another flash, you can drag the shutter and use a continuous light source to illuminate the background easily (it's a bit trickier to do hair lights that way.)

Self portraits are hard. They're hard to frame, hard to light, and it's hard to pick the right time to trip the shutter (especially if you're using a timer). All in all, it's a good first effort; I'll look forward to your next one.

[SamuelN]

Thank you all for your help. I'll keep it all in mind next time.