Self Portrait Composition and Lighting

[LostMahbles]

So this was my first attempt at off-camera flash, and at self-portraits. I suppose I learned that it's best to tackle new things one at a time because a lot of my shots were unusable. This one was a bit better, but I feel like something is missing. I think the composition could be improved so that my ear isn't cut off, and the harsh shadow behind my ear needs to go away (I could clone it out I suppose).

The lighting was such that I had a window camera-right, and a SB-600 camera-left bounced off of the ceiling as fill flash.

EXIF:
Exposure: 0.01 sec (1/100)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 320

Anyways, I'd like a critique of the composition, and also, suggestions on how this might have been lit to create a more "interesting" image.

Thanks in advance for the help.

[cphoniball]

Pretty good for a first attempt

The first thing I noticed was that your white balance is pretty off, you have a blue tinge to your skin tone. Than can be easily fixed in post, assuming you shot raw. You're right about the composition, you're cut off at awkward points, so try to go a bit looser next time to give yourself some space. I would try to create some more intense catchlights in your eyes as well next time - you can usually do this by shooting a space that's a stop or two darker than a patch of light you're looking into. Direct flash (hopefully through an umbrella or softbox) rather than flash bounced off the ceiling could also help with creating catchlights.

As far as creating a more interesting image, my best suggestion would be to play around with the position and angle of the flash. Try backlighting, front lighting, side lighting, and snoots. Shoot the flash through a pattern to create a patten of light on you. The possibilities are endless. Also, don't forget about the importance of your clothes in self-portraits - what you choose to wear can have a big impact on the final look of the image.

Good luck on your next attempt, post it here!

[LostMahbles]

Thanks a lot for the thoughtful reply. I'll definitely give it another go. I was surprised how hard it was to do composition when you have to compose yourself in the camera as opposed to composing the camera on a subject.