1 st Self portrait

[tycooder]

Whats the best way to focus for a self portrait? Its ok at this size but not at higher resolutions I got my back drop had no one to sit for me so i learned how to use the infared remote.

[RustySterling]

I just did my first self portrait as well. And, yes, focus is a challenge. I used a Calibration target to set white balance and exposure levels. I also focused on it, since it was where I was going to sit. I did a lot of chimping as I shot. But still, I must have move out of the focus plain more than once. There were a few photos not in focus. You can also stop down some for better depth of field, and that should help. The IR remote sounds like it worked for you (looks mostly like it too, but I understand about the softness).

It's a nice first attempt, although you've got some harsh shadows on the right side of your face. Nice catch lights in your eyes. Detail looks good and it doesn't look too flat (there's some depth). So keep it up.

Tell us about your lighting? What camera, lens, settings?

[Hayward Taylor]

Ty - you did good .. love the skin tone .. excellent job

[tycooder]

Wow thats quite a setup and a great shot As far as equipment Nikon D90 18x200 mm set at 85mm iso200
125 /f11 SB600 thru white umbrella to camera right slightly above of subject I took some other shots with a white cardboard reflector and that reduced the shadows What is chimping? Thanks for your comments and advise I appreciate it and am having a ball learning this lighting business

[tycooder]

Originally Posted by Hayward Taylor

Ty - you did good .. love the skin tone .. excellent job

Thanks hayward Im experiencing a second childhood with this camera the only problem is forgetting tomorrow what I learned today lol. Thanks for your kind comments

[angeleyes216]

I think the lighting, the colour , the pose is all great..you did a really nice job

[fstopMike]

Ty, good to really get a chance to get a good look at the face behind the post. I think you've done a good job on this.

[RustySterling]

Originally Posted by tycooder

Wow thats quite a setup and a great shot As far as equipment

LOL. Glad you saw it. I decided it was too much and took away from your thread. Sounds like a decent set up you have and I can now understand why the shadow. You did the right thing with the reflector. That should have provided some fill to cut those shadows. But be careful with reflectors. They can also tend to cause the photo to look flat if not used correctly.

Chimping to taking a look at the shots on the camera's LCD. I did a lot of it because I had a problem with reflection on my glasses and was trying to find the culprit -- which turned out to be a window that I covered later. I also had some glare from my reflector (remember I said they could be trouble) so I decided not to use the reflective side and used it to flag out some light instead. It really work well after that.

[Vinam]

hello Ty .. nice to see you Friend !

I think for a first attempt it's pretty damn good. lighting is HUGE ... another whole ability to figure out and practice. I have no doubt you will improve and feel more comfortable with it. That being said, with your friendly open and honest expression the darkened side isn't distracting at all, it actually adds a little drama. I use my IR remote too .. works well when I'm shooting longer exposures.. I havn;t used it yet, but my IR has a AF setting to trigger focus before the timer ... your's might too ... I'll check it out one of these days.

Great Job ! , nice to see the face of my friend from the north shore !

Vin

[tycooder]

Originally Posted by angeleyes216

I think the lighting, the colour , the pose is all great..you did a really nice job

Thanks for your nice comments angeleyes Im having fun