so blue

[natatbeach]

Had a go with (unfortunately too similar to previous attempts) but this one was the best of the bunch...something about it appeals to me and some things bug(the obvious(full frame and cut out parts and way over exposed in areas) Am I on the right track ---any suggestions for betetr framing when do self portrait shots?

what are your takes on this...and how does it hit ya?

[Lava Lamp]

Had a go with (unfortunately too similar to previous attempts) but this one was the best of the bunch...something about it appeals to me and some things bug(the obvious(full frame and cut out parts and way over exposed in areas) Am I on the right track ---any suggestions for betetr framing when do self portrait shots?

what are your takes on this...and how does it hit ya?

Nice image. It's really more art than photo, though, isn't it? As such, it's hard to offer any kind of solid advice other than keep it up. This reminds me of what you see in print-making sometimes, whre artists play with subtle variations over time.

I read an article once about a guy who made a full-size cut out of himself, complete with 3D nose, to get his framing right before he fired the shutter.

[Todd Patten]

nat -- I really like this. You posted a similar image on the "self portrait" thread. Now, as was true then, I can't help but to think "What a beautiful woman". I just did not have the guts to say it before

I liek the blue and I agree that it's art. For me, this is what makes photography exciting. It is all art, whether it be photojournalism or studio work. It's meant for interpetation and story telling in some form or another.

I wish I could pull out something that does not hit me right, but I am struggling. I think it is a solid self protrait.

[natatbeach]

Nice image. It's really more art than photo, though, isn't it? As such, it's hard to offer any kind of solid advice other than keep it up. This reminds me of what you see in print-making sometimes, whre artists play with subtle variations over time.

I read an article once about a guy who made a full-size cut out of himself, complete with 3D nose, to get his framing right before he fired the shutter.

good Idea on the cardboard cut out...LOL

it is art in the sense that I added blue to it...but it was still a photograph...f/5.6 at ISO 200 at 1/40th to be exact with the original WB set to tungsten which gave it a blue hue to start I just desaturated the whole thing to get rid of the lips that were way too red and put the blue back in and then some.

surely you can offer some advice of the direction of lighting, the pose, something
;)

never the less thanks for looking and sharing your thoughts

[natatbeach]

nat -- I really like this. You posted a similar image on the "self portrait" thread. Now, as was true then, I can't help but to think "What a beautiful woman". I just did not have the guts to say it before

I liek the blue and I agree that it's art. For me, this is what makes photography exciting. It is all art, whether it be photojournalism or studio work. It's meant for interpetation and story telling in some form or another.

I wish I could pull out something that does not hit me right, but I am struggling. I think it is a solid self protrait.

hoot I've been trying to get a solid self portrait out for three years!...I still haven't got it....the closest I came was on the old forums and it was pic of myself for Penny and I looked like death(I had pneumonia and sick as a dog but it was xmas)

Glad you liked it and thnaks for the kind words...still waiting for you to post that newpapaer add so we can go into business together
;)

[villenadecorte]

Such a beautiful face, Nat.
I think the overexposed areas work in this. Adds an aura of mystery to your blue cast.
When I've done self ports, I usually just do a few tests with my tripod set at different heights and kind of make a pencil mark on the wall or whatnot...
Never thought of doing a cut out ;)
I think your cut out parts work on this too. Its a different take and very nice!
VD

Had a go with (unfortunately too similar to previous attempts) but this one was the best of the bunch...something about it appeals to me and some things bug(the obvious(full frame and cut out parts and way over exposed in areas) Am I on the right track ---any suggestions for betetr framing when do self portrait shots?

what are your takes on this...and how does it hit ya?

[opus]

Well Nat, if you're trying for a look like this, you've nailed it! If you were trying for something different, well then I guess we can tell you why you didn't achieve it, but you'd have to tell us what you were trying for.

I REALLY like this shot a lot! I could see it framed in a series on the wall, I think it's that good. I think if I did anything at all different to it, I'd try burning the shoulder a bit darker. Or not. Maybe see what burning it darker does, and if it doesn't look good, ignore me. ;)

This has the effect of an athlete looking over her shoulder to peek if the gun is in position. It also has a softer feel to me, but overall it's the effect of looking over your shoulder. I like that.

Great Job!! A work of art!

[Clicker]

Nat, I really like your angle on this one, it reminds me of a scary movie, when that first strange sound is heard....and everyone's silent waiting for another......and all you hear is your heart beating... I really like the blue cast as well, I agree that it is overexposed in the cheeks and nose area, but since it has such an "artsy" feel to it, I think it is okay,

If viewing it as a photograph, and wanting to have the " proper yadda yadda" then I think the overexposure on the cheeks doesn't really bother me, I think with a little teensy bit more info on the bridge of the nose that it would give a different feel ( not so bright) also, I think if there were a little sharper focus on the eyelashes..... But thats all approaching it as a photograph..... It works as is as graphic art. I too can see this stretched over canvas, hung on a wall, kinda like your version of a warhol.... ;)

Rachel

[evatgirl73]

I relly like it as well. The "cropped off parts" don't bother me in this shot, I like the blue cast and the overexposure. I especially like the great detailing of the mouth. Overall it's a very appealing image! And yes, you started with a good subject, LOL!

Take care, Eva

[Todd Patten]

Nat -- Wouldn't that be fun? I need to get that ad out. maybe so I can get the Christmas crowd

Now, you all got me thinking about the cardboard cutout idea. Well, I do a lot of work from cosmetology schools. The students have to work on manequin(sp?) heads. there are alwayss a bunch left over at the end of a course. Maybe those would work for checking out lighting? Go to your local beauty school and see if you can snag one!

[natatbeach]

Such a beautiful face, Nat.
I think the overexposed areas work in this. Adds an aura of mystery to your blue cast.
When I've done self ports, I usually just do a few tests with my tripod set at different heights and kind of make a pencil mark on the wall or whatnot...
Never thought of doing a cut out ;)
I think your cut out parts work on this too. Its a different take and very nice!
VD

thanks for your nice comments...I think it appeals to me but you know when you have an image that you really like but yet SOMETHING about it is not quite right and you are just banging your head about it and you just can't figure it out...

[natatbeach]

just aiming for a decent self portrait that had some photographic merits...artistically it rocks but photographically it kinda sucks


so I'llbe gald it's graphic and portrays emotion ;)

[natatbeach]

I too can see this stretched over canvas, hung on a wall, kinda like your version of a warhol.... ;)

Rachel

like who really wants to se a mug of me that big...lol but it would be fun...ilike your interpretation of the feeling... and I agree with your technical thoughts as well...Thanks for looking I appreciate it....
;)

[natatbeach]

I relly like it as well. The "cropped off parts" don't bother me in this shot, I like the blue cast and the overexposure. I especially like the great detailing of the mouth. Overall it's a very appealing image! And yes, you started with a good subject, LOL!

Take care, Eva

thanks...I am a good subject I'm cheap to hire and rarely talk back...lol
thnaks

[natatbeach]

and send some to me...what do you do for the schools? email me or PM me sounds interesting