self portait

[Jezz]

This was taken a while back
Only just realised there was a good crop in it
what do you think?

[almo]

This was taken a while back
Only just realised there was a good crop in it
what do you think?

Not bad, but the stuff behind you in the background is distracting. Maybe you could try blurring that part of the image.

[Elysian]

This image has potential, but even if you don't have a trained eye Jezz, just a quick look at a histogram shows you that you really need to brighten this one up (levels).

[shutterman]

I like the expression and pretty much the overall composition, but I would like to see it a little brighter and with more contrast.

[Elysian]

I would like to see it a little brighter and with more contrast.

What this image needs is a levels correct, to extend the dynamic range, meaning more grey tones in the same image.

Of course, increasing contrast and brightness is one way to do it, but not the best way.

• An increase in brightness only moves the histogram.
• An increase in contrast flattens the histogram and widens it and some values will be lost.
• A level correction however increases the dynamic range without flattening the histogram (less contrast), in this example by moving the 'white' slider inwards.

The same effect can be achieved with a combined brightness and contrast correction, but levels is easier to use and leads in general to more accurate results.

The majority of the photographs need a levels correction and only very few a single contrast or brightness adjustment.

[Elysian]

And after the correct levels correction, the image should look like this.

Not really necessary, but if you prefer you can fine tune this with a slight S-curve (curves adjustment) for added contrast.

[Jezz]

Heres another from the same time, cropped and levels played with.

thanks for the comments Almo, Shutterman and Elysian, They helped me figure out why some of these shot of mine look a little flat.
Cheers, Jarrod

[Emo]

I really like the last photograph, something you would expect in a calvin kline ad or something of that sort...good looking guy too

[Clicker]

Jezz, these are very good self-portraits! Especially with the level change... I also agree to get rid of the distractions in the background on the first one ( jeans/foot) You have a knack for self-portraiture.

[Jezz]

Emo, thank you very much, means a lot to hear that my photos are good!! he he and the rest, my head is growing! kidding.

And clicker, thanks for reply, I've been meaning to set up another shoot but i just dont have the time, ill post them when i do!

Plus here is the original one with the blur done!
Cheers to all who have replied!

[Clicker]

Emo, thank you very much, means a lot to hear that my photos are good!! he he and the rest, my head is growing! kidding.

And clicker, thanks for reply, I've been meaning to set up another shoot but i just dont have the time, ill post them when i do!

Plus here is the original one with the blur done!
Cheers to all who have replied!

Overall, MUCH BETTER You probably already knew this but the edges of the blur/where it meets your shoulders and head is a bit noticeable..Once you Zoom all the way in and clean that up a bit, then your Portrait will be complete! ( Not sure if you just did a quick job on the blur to "Hurry and post changes" or not, I know that I do that, just to make sure that my changes were along the lines of the suggestions I wanted to try)

[Jezz]

Yeah very quick change to this photo, i just did it in about 3 min. Thanks for noticing!