My first attempt at a self portrait

[Jonathan Evans]

Hi all,

This is my first attempt at a self portrait. I found it very difficult to ensure I was in frame, focussed and exposed correctly.



EXIF:

Camera: Canon EOS 50D
Exposure: 1
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire

[Hayward Taylor]

Hi Jonathan - I like the lighting a whole lot .... very professional looking ... nice touch

[Jonathan Evans]

Thanks Hayward. The lighting was also something I was playing around with...In my apartment I do not have good lighting and so was wondering how to get a good shot indoors. Went and grabbed a halogen desk lamp and bounced the light along the wall and this was the result.

Thanks again for your comments!

[summernc22]

Great first try! The black and white reminds me of the album cover for Simon and Garfunkle. I find self portraits very difficult too. For lighting I prefer natural light to indoor light, but if you could try to work near a window with a reflector that gives great soft light. Good luck!!

[Jonathan Evans]

Thanks summernc22 for your comments and advice..,I will try natural light next time. This photo was taken about 9.30pm last night as I was playing around with taking a photo of my guitar and just thought I would try a self portrait while I had everything set up...therefore a bit hard to find natural light Always next time though...

[SoxAddict]

Great job! I've never tried a real self portrait but I've always wondered how long it would take me, and how many failed attempts, before I actually took a shot where I was in the frame! I know it can't be at all easy.

[leonaashlee]

Jonathan, nicely done...it's not the easiest photo to take, is it?
You've done well...and nice to meet you

[Jonathan Evans]

Thanks Leona. Yes it was a very difficult photo to take for me...much more comfortable to be on the other side of the lens taking photos of beautiful things like my son and wife

Anyway, expect to see a lot more of me this year...after being a lurker for a long time, with the arrival of my 50D for Xmas, I have made it my mission to complete all weekly assignments for this year with the aim of actually learning to take decent photos.

More later...

[pjflan7]

I have the same problem...I look really stupid when I try to do them

[jennie]

nice lighting..tnx for the info of bouncing the halogen light onto the wall..might try that one of these days..