Website "About" Self Portrait

[scootermcq]

I decided to redo my About page picture....

I came up with this:


ISO 200
50mm
F/8
1/200

My question is do you think I should have used a hair light?

Ok, the real question is does this image portray me as a confident business person, or does it look like I am trying too hard with props etc? Does it make you want to do business with me, or run screaming from my website?

I am obviously not a model.... nope, can't smile worth a crap & look like an idiot if I try, so you are kinda stuck with the subject. There is a reason I am behind the camera, and not infront of it.

I will also accept any other feedback you want to toss at me.... composition, lighting, background etc....

[BuddhaPi]

I'm only going to say , you are one brave soul for putting this out here..

actually the shirt pattern does something to me eyes...or it's just another flashback

[scootermcq]

Originally Posted by BuddhaPi

actually the shirt pattern does something to me eyes...or it's just another flashback

Yeah.... I should know better than that. Teach me to wait until the end of the week when all my golf shirts are in the laundry.... Thanks, BP

[sk66]

too "posed", stiff, hand in pocket...

This is probably one of the hardest things to do.....but this isn't really working for me. Doesn't convey relaxed "fun guy". (it's not horrible either)

Here's an idea:
A picture of you working behind the camera from a "clients perspective". Happy, smiling, relaxed, conversing as if "giving direction" or getting them to relax with a joke... (i.e. doing your job behind the camera but not camera to face).
Maybe even a "not so good" goofy snap taken by someone you are actually taking pics of....you could caption it "photo by client" and it would be a great "about pic" if it conveyed the right "you"... Could be fun to do as well.

[autofocus]

I like it, but I've always been a fan of the D300

[ChrisAdval]

Originally Posted by scootermcq

I decided to redo my About page picture....

I came up with this:


ISO 200
50mm
F/8
1/200

My question is do you think I should have used a hair light?

Ok, the real question is does this image portray me as a confident business person, or does it look like I am trying too hard with props etc? Does it make you want to do business with me, or run screaming from my website?

I am obviously not a model.... nope, can't smile worth a crap & look like an idiot if I try, so you are kinda stuck with the subject. There is a reason I am behind the camera, and not infront of it.

I will also accept any other feedback you want to toss at me.... composition, lighting, background etc....

normally using solid colors for a photo is best, and especially avoid massive patterns such as the shirt you're wearing. I prefer the other photos, but it depends on what is your primary demographic for what your business is going for... for me it works -the one in your avatar- because I'm male and 26, so that feels more casual, cool, and mellow. The one you posted here feels much more serious, but professional... again demographics is a big deal, can't go for all of the demos at the same time with the same strength.

The blacks for me... seem to be missing too much details, at least for my taste. And leaning on the camera itself just doesn't feel right because it feels like thats more of a cooler, casual feel you're going for but the wardrobe and pose feels more serious... very confusing as the viewer and it would confuse the primary targeted demographic.

[Bruce A]

Quick, hide the kids!

Joking Scott
I agree about the shirt, but not a biggie for me and I agree with Steve's comments, you do look a bit stiff and possibly a little pee'd off as if you'd rather be playing the golf. Oh yeah and try a bright pink wig LOL!

[scootermcq]

Originally Posted by sk66

too "posed", stiff, hand in pocket...

This is probably one of the hardest things to do.....but this isn't really working for me. Doesn't convey relaxed "fun guy". (it's not horrible either)

Here's an idea:
A picture of you working behind the camera from a "clients perspective". Happy, smiling, relaxed, conversing as if "giving direction" or getting them to relax with a joke... (i.e. doing your job behind the camera but not camera to face).
Maybe even a "not so good" goofy snap taken by someone you are actually taking pics of....you could caption it "photo by client" and it would be a great "about pic" if it conveyed the right "you"... Could be fun to do as well.

Thanks Steve, I like the idea. I will have to play around today or tomorrow and see if I can get that sort of look without coming across like a complete clown

Originally Posted by autofocus

I like it, but I've always been a fan of the D300

Hmmmm. That kinda goes along with my wife's suggestion, "maybe if you weren't in the picture?"

Originally Posted by ChrisAdval

normally using solid colors for a photo is best, and especially avoid massive patterns such as the shirt you're wearing. I prefer the other photos, but it depends on what is your primary demographic for what your business is going for... for me it works -the one in your avatar- because I'm male and 26, so that feels more casual, cool, and mellow. The one you posted here feels much more serious, but professional... again demographics is a big deal, can't go for all of the demos at the same time with the same strength.

The blacks for me... seem to be missing too much details, at least for my taste. And leaning on the camera itself just doesn't feel right because it feels like thats more of a cooler, casual feel you're going for but the wardrobe and pose feels more serious... very confusing as the viewer and it would confuse the primary targeted demographic.

Good stuff... Thanks,

[scootermcq]

Originally Posted by Bruce A

Quick, hide the kids!

Joking Scott
I agree about the shirt, but not a biggie for me and I agree with Steve's comments, you do look a bit stiff and possibly a little pee'd off as if you'd rather be playing the golf. Oh yeah and try a bright pink wig LOL!

Pink wig might do it. I'm a worse golfer than model


Thanks guys

[scootermcq]

Now, I still have the shirt issue, because this was taken at the same time, but here is a little bit more of a lean... little more casual. Does this pose or look portray more of the casual, relaxed, yet competent wedding photographer?