First Try at self portrait

[cm121886]

This isn't my first self portrait but this is the first time I took time to think about it. I really thought this picture had good intentions but it came out creepy and just not right. So I am looking for opinions on what I should do next time. I have element 8 so I can try post processing I was thinking of softening the focus but not sure if that can save it. Thoughts, opinions, general comments, suggestion of finding a new subject all welcome thanks.

EXIF
Canon SD500
Shutter Speed: 1/8
F-stop:f/2.8
Focal Length: 7.7mm

[jsklinger@yahoo.com]

Um, not sure what to say, I think you already critiqued this correctly. I am not sure this concept is going to work.

IMHO.
Jim

[ncbcymtechie]

If you want to make it work, I think you can make it work. But it's going to take a lot of it.

By order of importance:
1. There just isn't enough light in this situation / environment to pull this off. Maybe turn on more lights or try this near a window during the peak of day. This leads to:
2. Something seems off, whether it be that your shutter speed is too slow (which I'm inclined to believe, even if the speed was greater than 1/focal length—perhaps this rule differs for point-and-shoots), or maybe the ISO was too high and is getting rid of details and making it seem out of focus. The photo just seems blurry, even if your face is more or less in focus.
3. I think you may want to step back because your head is getting cut off in the filter. Also, check to make sure you're centered.
4. Zoom the camera out a little more to frame this shot better. The thing that bothers me most is that you cut off some of the top of the camera. The second most thing is the strap hanging down got cut off as well.

If you want to try this again, you have a plenty of work cut out for you. If you decide it's worth it and take measures to improve, I'd love to view this again!