self portrait

[Tuna]

Tuna,

I don't know what makes good photography from bad photography, I just know what I like. And I like this. It makes me look long, longer, longer.... The face half covered by the scene of the train car is really great; the shifting light...it's just a great photo. Thanks for posting.

CF

Thank you for your comments. I am always in search of interesting light...

Tuna

[Tuna]

It is a critique forum, Ronnoco's opinion is necessary, and to the point, he's got some great stuff posted. Take the criticisms with a grain of salt, his posts, at first glance dont seem tactful, but on a level, they are right, he's pointing out the technical flaws, it's up to the poster to correct it if they agree. (On another note, technical flaws are necessary in this image)

On topic, this is a great self portrait, a little creepy, a little plaintive.

Artistic shots like this are hard to improve, and though some "rules" of photography were broken, they were broken well, they're more like suggestions anyway.

A tighter crop would, in a way be beneficial, taking away some of the negative space and distractions, but these also add to the sense of isolation suggested in the image.

Thank you for your critique. This image also appealed to me due to the overabundance of flaws - some of which I could have removed or fixed in post-processing but left in place.

Tuna

[Tuna]

Tuna

Definitely artistic... Shots like this would not benefit from application of rules, etc. I think the distractions are part of what makes the shot an artistic shot. It also makes one think. I only wish you weren't starring straight at the camera like this, but more off into the distance, for that seems like what people do on trains (or subways).

-GB

Thank you for your comments. Looking away as you suggest may indeed have added a different element or feel to the image...

Tuna

[Tuna]

The avoidance of photographic cliche is not easy at the best of times but Tuna seems to manage it with ease.
I also remember the one Gary is referring to; the reflection in the glass doors, the long black coat. These images stay with you.
Shooting in these conditions is not about technically perfect results but more about an interesting and original outcome and I think it is all here.
I don't see any negative space in this picture at all.
CF mentioned the half covered face which I too feel is great; Gary mentioned the bright spot as not being a problem and I agree with both. If I came up with a shot like this I would not be wondering what f-stop was it I used.
What some critics consider imperfections others would consider them to be assets and I often fall in with the latter camp.
We all see things in different ways but I would respectfully ask Ronnoco not to insult the photographer with the pretentious, hit and run dismissive tone of "critique" which you choose to favour.
Tom

Tom, you have always been one of my best critics - telling me when I have wandered or missed as well as letting me know when I might have hit the mark. It is always appreciated - I'm glad you liked this one.

Tuna

[Tuna]

I think it's great. To me, the visual distractions and negative space help tell the story.

Reading this thread, I'm reminded of a quote that my trumpet teacher told me in a lesson back in college. He said it was a Charlie Parker quote, but I never looked into affirming that because it was irrelevant. The quote was "Learn your horn, learn your scales, then forget both and just play." I think it applies to photography well.

Fantastic quote and attitude to carry around - thank you.

Tuna

[Tuna]

Well it is easy for me to see whay an enexperienced eye might judge this image bad without much thought, but for someone that knows his stuff, I can say, DAMN, that's awesome. The crafty use of negative space and the people who to the left really set the tone of this picture. I know how hard it is to get even a barely decent shot in this sort of situation, yet you, of course, have done it very well.

You are still my favorite photographer!

Your over-generous words are humbling - I'm glad you liked this one.

Tuna

[Tuna]

I like the translucency of the image---there but not really.... I like that you saw a moment with interesting lighting and preserved it....I'd like to see abetter range of tonal values...it appears to gray and flat...I like the grainy unperfect look of it(like the bottom edge being askew....you like dit enough to post it---what elements do you like about this image that you felt represented you...?

I'm glad you liked the effect of being there...and yet, not. Accentuated by the light - which is what made me pick up the camera. I purposefully kept the tone flat in post-processing for two reasons - (1) an added imperfection and (2) to emulate the feel of images from the age of the camera used (1946) because it is, after all, a self portrait of the Leica IIIc as well.

As for introspection, I have little other than to repeat the theme of being there and yet not being there - how I feel much of the time when I have a camera in hand.

Tuna

[Tuna]

I thought the same about the camera at first. But it's so much a part of Tuna's life, I bet he almost goes nowhere without it. It belongs in the picture. I have been so impressed with your work Tuna you got me looking for a Rangefinder..
Greg

...to have inspired you to consider a rangefinder purchase is an honor - thank you for you very kind comments.

Tuna

[Tuna]

Hi Tuna.
This photo is really interesting!I remember you have posted another image of self portait through the reflection of glass. In that photo, you took the image by a usual posture of photo-taking. However, this one reveals a very different posture. The reflection on the right shows us the position of your hand and the camera. Your hand seems detached to the body in the photo, which is a bit surreal. The image to me is closed to a surgeon performing an operation, which requires high precision. Following the same line of thinking, the shot gives a strong emotionless feeling. Really intriguing!
yoyo

Speaking of surgery, great in-depth dissection from you. The detached hand effect was a surprise but added to my choice of posting the image.

Tuna

[Tuna]

Tuna, I thoroughly enjoy the composition you have here. I love the windows on the left side and the slumped over shapes of the passengers. That being said, I'd also like to see more tonality. Right now, the photograph seems a bit dark and has a distracting bright white reflection in the bottom/middle region. But aside from that, I don't have anything else to offer up other than the fact that I really like the creep factor it has going on.

I'm really not that much of a creep - but I'm glad you liked the effect. Thank you for your comments, critique and continued support - it is always noticed.

Tuna

[Tuna]

I have nothing to add about the image. Let me just say that this is just one more example of your value to this community. You keep us all on our toes. Thanks.

deserved or undeserved - your comments are greatly appreciated - thank you...

Tuna

[Tuna]

Of course, it is rather busy... but still quite interesting. I know the title was "self portrait", but I (kind of) think it would be better if the camera was not showing. Maybe the camera could have been a little farther to the outside, and then cropped. Just thinking out loud...

Interesting thought to remove the camera from the mix - I hadn't considered it and now see where the image would take a wholly different turn - thank you for the comment.

Tuna

[Tuna]

I can't disagree with this, but I think they work.
I mean Tuna could be commenting on his life or life in general, with the use of the disctractions and large negative space.
You look at his expression and he kind of looks to be at his wits end.
I think this is the most revealing photograph Tuna has ever posted, it's dark but it does reveal a lot about Tuna.
Bravo to you Tuna for doing such a revealing self portrait!
You know Tuna, it's hard to believe you have only made 757 comments, I swear you have way more than that!
Brian

Thank you for your comments - It's nice to know that this image reveals me more to you than my other SP's - maybe having held the camera away and looking into the lens had something to do with that.

Tuna

[Tuna]

Tuna,

This is truly brilliant - I love how you've used the space and captured the commute to home and the lack of tone adds to the dreary commute - thats how it appears to me.

The way the sunlight comes in from the left gives this a ghostly feel and the fact that the arm holding the camera appears as someone else's is terrific.

Nicely spotted and brilliantly executed.

Roger

As I mentioned above, the quality of light was of ultimate importance in the possible success of the shot - thank you for your very nice comments.

Tuna

[Tuna]

So quick.. I find the photo is very good. The negative space is what makes this photo good.

Thank you for your comment - I'm happy you liked it.

Tuna

[Tuna]

Tuna,,with me the jury is still out on this one..I find the image a tad confusing but I can't stop looking at it..You have included so many elements which at times work together then other times don't..
This image holds my attention on sheer impact only not on technical perfection...I would rather view an image with impact than a boring image that is technically perfect..

Jurgen

I have to fully agree with your last comment - I'm glad that the image held your attention - thank you for your comments and critique.

Tuna

[Tuna]

Thanks to all for the overwhelming response to this image - it was a surprise and much appreciated.

To those who celebrate it...I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Tuna