What’s Your Preference?

laura.wilkerson1333 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-12-2009, 12:26 AM

EXIF
D40
f/5.3
1/8 sec.
ISO-1600
42 mm

I think the ISO is too high here. I understand the relationship between shutter speed, aperture, and ISO, but for some reason I still never get the ISO right. Anyway...

I've felt like lately I've been hiding behind my makeup, so I took a self portrait without makeup. Then I added the scarf for a little symbolism treat.

Also, I think the composition is messing up the shot too. I need objective critiques...Is my ISO too high? Did I ruin the photo with the half and half composition?

sybren · #2 (**permalink**) 10-12-2009, 09:35 AM

I'm not bothered by the ISO. The composition looks fine to me too, I quite like this photo. The thing that does bother me is the difference in light colour coming from the left and the right. Her eye on camera right looks like it's covered by a slight lens flare, reducing contrast and spoiling your rich blacks.

mrdale · #3 (**permalink**) 10-12-2009, 01:25 PM

I too find the composition very good. The ISO doesn't detract from the photo. I'm not sure its lens flare but the upper right is a little hot. What was your light source and where was it ? What mode were you shooting in ? You can control ISO if you choose to. Nice work, show us some more.

dale

gdowden70 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-12-2009, 04:49 PM

Personally, I like your composition. However, I do find the ISO to be too high. I think you could get a less "grainy" look by lowering the ISO. What was lighting the subject and where was it in relationship to you? Is there any other particular reason that you were using 1600? That is VERY high for a portrait shot, or really for any other shot unless it's absolutely necessary. I did like your idea though. Kind of a spin on a National Geographic shot.

laura.wilkerson1333 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-12-2009, 06:44 PM

i think i had it on auto (gasp). i hate using auto, but this was a quick hurry-i-need-a-portrait-for-day-33 shot, so i wans't paying close attention...

light source? my window, i think (?)

Pen · #6 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 05:35 AM

was this a very low light shot or something??? I mean with an aperture of 5.3, ISO 1600, and a shutter speed of 1/8, it seems like you didnt have very much light to work with, so my suggestion is to get more light on your subject, that would allow you to reduce that ISO for sure, other than that great job!

PowerPix · #7 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 05:38 AM

I'm just going to say that I think this is the best photo you have posted yet.

srt · #8 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 11:05 AM

I agree that you must have needed a better light source. Other than that I feel it needs a little straightening up......and I know its hard taking a self portrait, but the focus seems to be on the material which means your eyes r a bit soft I like the half-half composition it makes it strong..

PhotoPhix · #9 (**permalink**) 11-09-2009, 03:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laura.wilkerson1333

EXIF
D40
f/5.3
1/8 sec.
ISO-1600
42 mm

I think the ISO is too high here. I understand the relationship between shutter speed, aperture, and ISO, but for some reason I still never get the ISO right. Anyway...

I've felt like lately I've been hiding behind my makeup, so I took a self portrait without makeup. Then I added the scarf for a little symbolism treat.

Also, I think the composition is messing up the shot too. I need objective critiques...Is my ISO too high? Did I ruin the photo with the half and half composition?