Attempting a self portrait

[johnmc]

Hi All,

been a while since I've been on here... having a play this morning with shooting a self portrait - wow, what a challenge!

Not only being critical of my skills/quality, but also of myself as the subject. Trying to get something a little moody, without going overboard.

Was shot with my 17-40 and bouncing a single speedlite (old 420ez) off a sheet of foamcore.

Open to any suggestions/comments/criticisms (click for larger version on flickr)

[gstark]

John,

The lighting is perfect, but I'd pull your hand out of this one. Just have your face, head down a little, but eyes looking straight up into and through the lens.

Or if you want the hand, then palm down, chin resting on the back of the downturned hand.

[Matt. K]

Some interesting elements in this image....I agree with Gary in that the index finger leads the eye out of the image space....always a bad thing. Also, looking directly into the camera lens will reduce the amount of white in the eyes. The lighting is picking up some nice texture. Keep at it.

[johnmc]

Thanks for the feedback guys... I did take a number of shots sans hand but wasn't as comfortable with them - probably just because they are photos of me

Will have to give it another shot being mindful of your advice - new shots soon I hope

[chrisk]

john, i like it. like the crop and the hard light especially. agree about the finger thing.

personally, i would have preferred for there to be more light in your eyes. perhaps having some reflector to bounce some back. to me the eyes arent as alive and engaging as they could be. the bit of light spill onto your ear is also a little distracting. getting that right in camera is difficult i know cos gobo's are the order of the day so i'd cheat and fix that in post by darkening that side. btw: mono conversions also suit this sort of portrait so give that a shot.

[Wink]

I'd also like to see it without the hand. It looks like the same pose as your avatar with the hand included.

Very brave doing a self portrait. I brought a camera to ensure I stay behind it.

[johnmc]

Ironically the pose (with hand) does match... It's even the same chair/location... Had actually forgotten about that shot until after I posted the new one on here... Perhaps my subconscious just doesn't like my chin.

I'd prefer to photograph others but often find myself squeezing these shots into "spare time" or being surrounded by cameraphobes lol

[zafra52]

I agree with the comments above specially with:

The lighting is perfect, but I'd pull your hand out of this one. Just have your face, head down a little, but eyes looking straight up into and through the lens.
Or if you want the hand, then palm down, chin resting on the back of the downturned hand.

[surenj]

Nice one.

Unusual position for the key (and only) light! and it works.

Only improvements as it is would be crop out a little headroom on the top.

If you are reattempting, Try a hair light or two. I'd like to see more neck to avoid the dismembered face type of look.

I guess it depends on what feel you are going for... The light from below is usually a little onimous...

[johnmc]

Thanks surenj,

I'm hoping to have another session (as soon as my "model" has time )

I'm awaiting delivery of 2 x speedlites - so will be able to look at implementing some light from behind to help define the hair

As for the neck - agree... although in that shot the black t-shirt did have an exceptionally high collar, perhaps a bad choice of wardrobe.