Self Portrait - Concept

[dawesy]

This is a first attempt at a concept I had a while back. It is definitely not a finished product but I'd be interested to see what people have to say at this early stage.

Shot in my lounge room. D300 on a tripod and using a remote trigger (The Phottix one from Poon, highly recommended). Two sb800s, one on either side of me set pretty low, though I forget the exact setting.

I think a darker top will look better, but I didn't have one handy at the time. Something about the light doesn't quite seem right to me either, but I'm not sure if that's just the light top ad the two distracting spots where you can see the inside of the hood.

[kipper]

The problem is the lighting, while I'm no expert on lighting I just don't like the fact that two side lights on opposite sides is causing two shadows and a light spot down the center of your face. I'd rather see one shadow coming from either side or being cast downwards. It's a shame you don't have a monks or boxers robe as that would look kind of interesting more so then a hooded jumper.

[surenj]

Nice concept. I would use three lights, two soft sources from both sides (equal power) and a hair light. would be cool to include the environment as well (even if it was out of focus) to show some context.. Gym or alley? (Of course this could be composited later)

[surenj]

Actually on second thought one could use a ring light directly in front + the hair light... Hmm.. now I am not even sure. Wait for the experts to comment.

[dviv]

I like it - really interesting concept.

I'd like to see the shadow drop down through the middle of each eye, rather than near the nose. It should put a bit more light on the face, but still give the contrast.

I also find the hot spots on the nose.... on the nose

[Biggzie]

Oh my god, they killed Dawesy ....

[dawesy]

Thanks for all the useful feedback!!

I'm not so sure about the hair light or the background ideas (In fact the background in this shot is an extremely yellow wall...) as I want the hood to fade into darkness. That is why I want a darker hoodie, so that it becomes in effect an isolated face coming out of the darkness. Having said that, I can see a bit of potential with this idea and taking to an alley near my house and taking a whole different shot, so that's a good idea! Might just make sure I have some friends with me for that one

I like the comment about the shadow, I had been thinking it needed to come out a bit but looking at the line of now, I think I also need to adjust the angle of the light so the shadow lines are more vertical. I did this with the strobes sitting on the back of my couch as I didn't have light stands handy so adjustment was minimal! Those hot spots have to go as well, can't believe I didn't really notice them!

Thanks all.