Self Portrait - crit please?

[guitarmy]

Shot this upon realizing that the grant application I was submitting the next day had to have a print-quality press photo in it.

Shot with D50 and an off-camera SB600 flash bounced off the ceiling, camera right.

Self-crit: it'd be nice to have a second light source to create a bit more separation between me & background (what's that called? A rim light?), and a reflector on my offside? Plus I think I need to blur the background wall in PS - can see the flaws in the paint (backdrop was living room wall)

 

[Big Mike]

I'm not sure...but for a 'press photo', they may want you to be looking at the camera. Otherwise, I agree with all that you said.

 

[guitarmy]

Generally for that kind of application a 'press photo' is so they can see that you're somewhat marketable. AKA not fugly. So I hope I'm not fugly.

Otherwise, I'm not really sure if there's a set standard for press photos.

 

[The_Traveler]

Very nice picture.
Dramatic, good lighting, good detail, good focus.
IMO, crop would be better if tighter and pic more intense if you were looking at the camera.

 

[EJBPhoto]

Looks nice. I actually prefer the first crop. Just try not to center yourself so much and the shadowing on your face isn't ideal. I can see if you reshot this, made it a bit grainer, increased your contrast in post processing and fixed the lighting on your face- it would be a neat moody b/w

 

[Christie Photo]

I too think for this application (PR photo), it's best if you're not looking off-camera. I would crop in thighter though... maybe add a vignette.

Pete

 

[guitarmy]

Wicked. Thanks a bunch for the feedback. I'll apply it next time!