dismayed - self portrait

[n8]

This started out as a bold attempt to play with some lighting any my lb for some self portraiture, and morphed into something much moodier as as I read up on the budget cuts hitting Il, and my field in particular. This is no doubt the antithesis of sharp, as using the lb on myself is pretty unforgiving but I feel it works. I'm thinking as I usually tend to frame my shots on the right half, cropping to the left adds to the sense of discomfort, but I'm also unsure about the crop. At full screen, the 5x5 seems to work, but so does the 8x10...thoughts.

[armando_m]

dismayed, yes it ccommunicates that feeling

I think the face and the hand works fine, not sure about the bottom part, probably a tighter crop, I'll prefer the 10x8

The redish tones are , different, not color and not B&w or sepia , just quite odd

It will be better if the highlights in the hand were more subtle

[LeeIs]

Really good, love the focus and intensity in this one. The only thing, I think it's a tad too saturated, especially the skin tones. I think the composition is good and usually I don't like heads being cut off, but i dont' mind it so much in this one.

Also, agree with Armando about the hand needing to be toned down a bit.

[n8]

Thanks guys. The pp was pretty quick and dirty...should be a good opportunity to utilize the u-point controls to take care of that hand.
The tone is probably a combination of the wood paneling and the preset I used in hdr-efex...the original is quite different.

[n8]

Tried the recommended tweaks and crop...

[jetrim]

The second revision works very well for me. I do like the "cross-processed" look of this one, the heavy reddish tones amplify the dismayed expression. :thumbsup:

[armando_m]

oh yes, much better without the highlights

[GB1]

N8 - I prefer the 2nd one, but you might consider cropping in even a tad more. Good choice of softeness, and the colors work Ok for me.

Question though: do you normally prop you head with you hand & fingers like that, or was it something you did for the portrait? I don't recall seeing anyone do that before .. in its unusualness, it sort of steals the attention from your eyes.

[n8]

Thanks guys!
GB, that is actually a pretty natural position for me...kinda my "therapist" pose if you will.

[arne saknussen]

NIcely done lensbaby shot.