In a Fur Hoodie

PixelRabbit · Mar 25, 2014

In the interest of continuing my commitment to learn people photography and I'm the only model hangin around here now I took a couple self portraits for practice again today.

Initially I set out to get a 40's/50's look so I was shooting in black and white. I'm pretty sure the era was a fail lol but would love to hear your thoughts on what I did get!

Last time around I had issues with my chin and tension in my mouth so this time I paid special attention.

I still have the makeup on and it's killin me! (allergies suck

) so I can revisit today, would love to hear your thoughts on both sides on the camera!!
Thanks for taking a look

I'm not sure about my eyes in this one... I look a bit.... angry?...

Designer · Mar 25, 2014

Flattering shots, but it seems there is some tint to them.

sm4him · Mar 25, 2014

Oh, wow, I really like that first one Judi, that is just outstanding! If I could take a "selfie" like THAT, I wouldn't have to hide behind the Osprey avatar! :lmao:

On the second, I don't think it's the eyes that are making you look…I wouldn't say "angry," but exceptionally displeased. I think it's more the slight downturn of the mouth and the slightly flared nostril. Cover those and the eyes don't look angry at all to me.

PixelRabbit · Mar 25, 2014

Thanks Designer

Yes, I added a bit of warmth to them to soften them up a bit, pure black and white felt a bit harsh to me.

Aw Sharon, thanks! <3 I'm definitely not comfortable on that side of the lens, there are so so so so many pictures taken of me throughout my life that are far from flattering, unless I'm really thinking about it and consciously aware of tension (I tense up immediately in front of the lens lol) I end up looking really really bad lol.

Good thoughts on the second, unfortunately my mouth does that downturn naturally

(most appropriate use of that emoticon ever! lol) As for the nose I may have been sniffing from the allergies lmao!

I think I'm going to revisit in a little while and try to get some semblance of a smile to get rid of that downturn.

tirediron · Mar 25, 2014

Very nice; I especially like the first one. A very 'old timey' feel.

PixelRabbit · Mar 25, 2014

Thanks John

runnah · Mar 25, 2014

Boy did my mind go right to the gutter when I read that title.

Derrel · Mar 25, 2014

Yeah, the first shot's nice. I looked at it in Original Size on Flickr, and can see some sort of regular pattern over all the dark areas; is that some kind of a texture screen applied? Or is it radio frequency interference maybe? I think what makes shot 31 the more appealing of those two is the more unobstructed view of your eyes.

sm4him · Mar 25, 2014

runnah said:
Boy did my mind STAY right in the gutter, as usual, when I read that title.

FIFY ;-)

PixelRabbit · Mar 25, 2014

Thanks D, hmmm... I didn't notice it but I looked at the original full size and it's definitely there but I didn't do it (at least I didn't mean to lol) I used a preset as a jumping off point so perhaps it's in the preset in Silver Efex.

PixelRabbit · Mar 25, 2014

runnah said:
Boy did my mind go right to the gutter when I read that title.

lol! I thought of that when I named the thread, almost named it "Furry" but thought twice

pgriz · Mar 25, 2014

Uh oh. You're gonna be on PETA's "not nice" list.

As for the smile... try a little dark chocolate, and a little red wine... that'll help. And if it doesn't, do it again.

sm4him · Mar 25, 2014

PixelRabbit said:
Thanks Designer Yes, I added a bit of warmth to them to soften them up a bit, pure black and white felt a bit harsh to me.

Aw Sharon, thanks! <3 I'm definitely not comfortable on that side of the lens, there are so so so so many pictures taken of me throughout my life that are far from flattering, unless I'm really thinking about it and consciously aware of tension (I tense up immediately in front of the lens lol) I end up looking really really bad lol.

Good thoughts on the second, unfortunately my mouth does that downturn naturally (most appropriate use of that emoticon ever! lol) As for the nose I may have been sniffing from the allergies lmao!

I think I'm going to revisit in a little while and try to get some semblance of a smile to get rid of that downturn.

I'm actually the same way. Even when I'm relatively happy, my mouth just doesn't show a smile unless I force it. As a result, I get the constant, "Smile," "Cheer Up!" "What are you frowning about?" kind of comments…which of course, does NOT help and just makes me want to smack someone upside the head. :lol:

I have to really work at it to have a smile in a picture. Not only do I have to consciously think, "Smile," I just about have to FEEL like I'm grinning like the Cheshire Cat for it to actually come across as a smile, and not a smirk. Smirking I do pretty well.

I do like Paul's idea though…except I'd double up on the chocolate, ditch the red wine and go for a margarita instead. Or, since it's cold out, maybe an Irish coffee.

Oh yeah…dark chocolate and an Irish coffee….I get off work in 17 minutes, takes me about 6 minutes to get home. 30 minutes and I WILL have some Irish coffee to drink!