Low key self portrait

minicoop1985 · Jan 20, 2015

Please, CC away-I could use the advice. Here's my first attempt at low key portrait lighting.

Artsy fartsy self portrait by longm1985, on Flickr

oldhippy · Jan 20, 2015

Designer · Jan 20, 2015

Good, but your arm disappearing into the bottom margin is not a winner.

Also, you need to frame it more to the right to give your face more room than the back of your head.

Maybe just a bit too much empty space on top.

minicoop1985 · Jan 20, 2015

Thanks for the feedback, guys. It's comments like these that help people like me learn.

Gary A. · Jan 20, 2015

Designer is on the mark with his remarks. A tighter crop and lose the arm, either by crop or clone/patch/burn.

G

tirediron · Jan 20, 2015

Nicely done. I agree with the comments on composition, and I think too, a bit of fill, not much, just enough to see the faint outline of your head would add to the image.

minicoop1985 · Jan 20, 2015

I can easily correct this next time I do it. Thanks guys.

snerd · Jan 20, 2015

I'm digging the more room in front than back suggestion. Otherwise not too bad!

minicoop1985 · Jan 20, 2015

Alright, I added your suggestions and came up with this:

Low key selfie by longm1985, on Flickr

Is this better?

Rick58 · Jan 20, 2015

Yep, buy Designer a beer. Nice, but the comp suggestions will take it up a notch

Rick58 · Jan 20, 2015

Well, My timing sucked...LOL too much room up front now, at least for me
8x10 keeping left, top and bottom frames?

minicoop1985 · Jan 20, 2015

Rick, nice timing. I took your suggestion.

Low key selfie by longm1985, on Flickr

Here we go, I think this is it.

Rick58 · Jan 20, 2015

jwilly1 · Jan 20, 2015

I like the improvements that have been made. I think it's a good picture, as well. The only thing that keeps bothering me is the white graphic on the shirt. It's a killer shirt, but I feel like it's competing with the light on your face. Maybe it's just me. Great job on the lighting!