Self Portraits: Please Don't Laugh

[martha36]

Okay, this was my photo project yesterday, and I feel really silly about posting them and wasn't going to. But then I thought, well, if I took them of someone else, I would post them. It's just that I feel silly posting pictures I took of myself. BUT we are all about sharing here, so here goes

I was feeling somewhat gothic and dramatic yesterday, so the first one I shot in a cemetery. And the second at the lake, where I wish I was basking in the sun. And I took them both with an eye to b/w conversion.

And I really hate being photographed, even by my self - I am not comfortable in front of a camera. But I think it is a good exercise, occasionally, to do self portraits. I usually learn a lot of composition and thinking about things ahead of time.

[equilution]

Great shots, Martha! Very well done. The B/W was a good decision!! I like 'em a lot. Kudos to the model, too!!! Definitely the eyes in the second one...the connection with the camera is striking!

PS..that wooden structure looks familiar. Has it been in some of your earlier shots?

[ukglyn]

Beautiful, I especially like the 1st 1, very well took & presented. You are very brave I always hide behind the camera.
You have no reason to be shy, you look lovely.
Glyn

[fstopMike]

I think they are both well composed and show two entirely different moods.

[rollercoaster]

the second one is awesome!

[angeleyes216]

I love love love the second one...beautifully shot...both reflect a different mood and i think you did a great job...congrats

[vimalkv]

Beautiful self Portraits Martha..Composed beautifully and B/W presentation is awesome..Thanks for sharing

[Saralonde]

No laughing from me! I spent a year doing them and some of them, well.... Yours are very nicely done. Self-portraits can teach you a lot about lighting, poses, composition, etc. and you always have a willing model. More people should try them.

[zona5101]

They are both great! I especially like the 2nd one - your eyes just connect with me and draw me in!

[SoxAddict]

Wow Martha, these are gorgeous, and you are so beautiful in them too! Terrific in B&W format as well. I know how you feel about being on the other side of the camera, I'm extremely uncomfortable being photographed & typically I'll always be the one taking the shots or will "manage" to be MIA when others are taking pictures.

You look very relaxed though, what a wonderful model!