Self Portrait

http://www.shuttertalk.com/forums/im...d/7_selfSM.jpg

Have you added this to the Self Portrait 2009 thread?

no but I will.

Hi Don,
I have a few issues with the photo (only a few).

The wallpaper tree sprouting from your head is 1st.
(portrait mode should blur the background).
The amount of blank space above your head.
The bright white spot on said head.
whats the white thing in the bottom of the frame?
your eyes are kinda soft & in the shadow.
(eyes are important in a portrait)
and what is the expression on your face?

if you have time, you should check out Flickr.com
Some people over there do a self portrait 365 days a year.
With that kinda practice, they're bound to get a few good ones in.

I have a self portrait in the 2009 portrait thread,
its not my best (me goofing with a new lens),
but it has some interesting things happening.

http://flickr.com/search/?q=self&w=all
click here to see lots of self portraits

Thanks hollis. I will study hard before I take another shot. I want to make sure I do nothing different.

Quote:

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and what is the expression on your face?

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Wondering the same thing.....

ummmm.... don't know what to say except I am frightened.

Kristine

Don - Sort of a funny expression, like Uhhhhhhhh.. yeah. What is that thing across the foreground/bottom? I don't like it, seems like a goof. The wallpaper definitely isn't for conventional portraits but I'm OK with it in combo with the expression, sort of comical (and I am sure that is what you intended!)

G

It's my natural facial expression. There is a bit of awe in it.

Don, I hope you'll give another self portrait a go.

I'd like to suggest that you position yourself near a window for better illumination. You can also try taking the shade off a lamp and placing somewhere between you and the camera opposite the window. The extra light should help with the noise factor and produce a cleaner image.

HTH,

Thanks Cath. You know this (like most of my photographs) was an unplanned grab shot.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Don Schaeffer

Thanks Cath. You know this (like most of my photographs) was an unplanned grab shot.

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I've seen a number of your images and quite like them - I think what you call "unplanned" has a strong "in the moment" quality. I find portraits need a bit more forethought, if nothing else but to get the camera's settings just right. When I forget to check my camera, I end up with only duds (vs a few almost good ones among mostly duds :lol:)

Cheers,

Me too cath. This was in fact a rescued dud.