8 Self-Portraits

[LizzyQ]

My next school project is self-portraits.. what do you think? C&C welcomed. Thanks

1.


2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

 

[tirediron]

A very tough assignment. Self ports are without a doubt one of the most difficult shoots a photographer can undertake. You've got some interesting images here, and I'll give you a few quick thoughts.

1. Cut picture, nice expression, but looks very 'snap-shotish' to me with the sun behind you causing the over-exposed 'haze', out-of-level, and centred subject.

2. Nearly blown highlights in the face, and excessive DoF with an unsuitable background.

3. Harsh lighting camera left, an expression which leads me to believe that lunch didn't agree with you.

4. Needed a reflector or fill light camera right to reduce the harsh shadow in the area of your nose; top of your head is cropped slightly. When cropping body parts, do it boldly so that it doesn't appear accidental.

5. Nice, good lighting, interesting expression; this is the best of the lot IMO, however separate yourself more from the background. Note the relatively sharp shadows. A small background light would have helped here.

6. Doesn't do anything for me.

7. Second best (IMO). Again, same issues as 5, too close to the background, excessive DoF.

8. Nice, but the facial highlights are just a little too strong; background per 5, 7.

Overall they're not bad at all. Your mono conversions are very well done. I'm not sure if you're trying for a particular look here or not, but I'd really like to see some like 5 with you smiling or looking happy.

Just my $00.02 worth - your mileage may vary.

~John

 

[Dmitri]

Not a fan of the first two outside ones, 4-8 look good to me, and 3 and 4 would be ok if you didn't cut the top of your head off. If I had to pick a favorite I would probably say #7.

 

[LizzyQ]

Thanks for your thoughts and suggestions!