More Self Portrait Attempts ... Better?

[First Light]

I made another attempt this morning with much more light coming in a different window. I was able to get a lot better focus; I used the SP focus/Auto focus on the tripod, then switch to Manual Focus and secure to camera on the tripod method. Plus, the exposure length was significantly shorter, so I didn't have as much time for motion blur.

Here are the results:



Camera Canon EOS REBEL T3
Exposure 0.05 sec (1/20)
Aperture f/5.6
Focal Length 35 mm
ISO Speed 800

Here is the link to another: Self Portrait edit 2 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Please give C&C on composition, lighting, FOCUS, and post processing. Thanks!

[dalmorloson]

Much better this time. Maybe a tad underexposed but not enough to bother me much. I like the catchlights in your eyes. A couple of things that are distracting for me are the two top corners where you can see a bit of wallpaper, and the black blob to the left of your right ear (viewers left). I can't tell if its your foot again or part of the headboard. Overall, much better than last time.

[JFSanders]

Very good portrait with the exception of the feet behind and the headboard issue. The exposure histogram is pretty good and your eyes are pretty sharp. I would say that just a few tweeks and you are good to go. I like that you went natural with the makeup and hair.

Jim

[prince]

Too many things to consider to get a clean portrait I have been there, I am still there, and I am learning to watch for a simple background.

Focus is spot on this time. You might want to get a remote shutter release to help with your self portraits. Less hassle compared to what you are doing.

[First Light]

Originally Posted by dalmorloson

Much better this time. Maybe a tad underexposed but not enough to bother me much. I like the catchlights in your eyes. A couple of things that are distracting for me are the two top corners where you can see a bit of wallpaper, and the black blob to the left of your right ear (viewers left). I can't tell if its your foot again or part of the headboard. Overall, much better than last time.

Thank you. That is the ironwork on the headboard and my feet, but yes they are a bit distracting. I think if this were not a self-portrait, it would be a fun one to set up, but it is super challenging to get the background just right and get yourself positioned, too!

Originally Posted by JFSanders

Very good portrait with the exception of the feet behind and the headboard issue. The exposure histogram is pretty good and your eyes are pretty sharp. I would say that just a few tweeks and you are good to go. I like that you went natural with the makeup and hair.

Jim

Thank you, Jim! I think this particular pose has some special challenges for self-portrait, as I noted above, so I will be trying some other things out. I just really love the light in that room, and for a "lifestyle" type portrait, wanted to see what I could come up with. And that is just how I do my hair and makeup every day, so thank you very much!

Originally Posted by prince

Too many things to consider to get a clean portrait I have been there, I am still there, and I am learning to watch for a simple background.

Focus is spot on this time. You might want to get a remote shutter release to help with your self portraits. Less hassle compared to what you are doing.

I have a remote shutter release, but bought a cheap one and learned straight out of the box that you get what you pay for! I can't stand the thing! And it came with no instructions!

[First Light]

Here is the other one from that day that I liked, in black and white:



Still has my foot in it, but you can see all of the scroll work on the headboard, which is one of the reasons I chose this background.