C&C my self portrait

[wasabean]

i just got my lightstand + umbrella today and i didn't have a real model, so i won the modeling gig by default..please give me some pointers..thanks

http://www.wasabean.com/POTN/IMG_1649.jpg

[wasabean]

No one? Anyone? How's my lighting, sharpness, and PP? Thx

[imahawki]

I like the concept but it doesn't look 100% sharp, and I don't like the glare of the shirt. I'm not a lighting expert and I'm not sure how to fix it, but I don't care for it being blown out like that. But I like the "pose" or rather, lack of, and I like the composition.

[wasabean]

Thanks for the comment. Yea the focusing was quite a challenge. I had to put my lightstand where I was going to be standing and mark the floor so I know where the focusing point will be. Set the cam timer and snap.

I think the slight over exposure and reflection on the shirt can be fixed with "curves" in PS

[griptape]

You look sad. Cheer up.

[penodr]

Looks sharp to me but it might just be my old eyes, lol. What F stop did you use? Also the photo needs a point of interest and the eyes are covered by hair and glasses. The lighting looks good to me, save for the shirt problem already mentioned, but I am no portrait expert.

[tonydee]

You look sad. Cheer up.

What feedback! :lol: Love it...

I don't think the combination of light and dark backgrounds works... all dark is probably better with a darkish shirt like that (esp once the glare is controlled). Having the rim of your glasses cut right over your eyes is also a bit of a frustrating choice. I'm with imahawki re the casual unposed look being good. Think you might be able to add some interest and depth with a hand gesture or something....

Cheers, Tony

[jetboy]

I think the slight over exposure and reflection on the shirt can be fixed with "curves" in PS

If your point was to use the new lighting setup you got then I don't think the fix is in digital manipulation with either curves or levels. I do understand that is the way of the beast these days, but, learn to get lights to display the effect you want first, then, you can add additional effects in PP. The lighting here seems to be around a 4 to 1 ratio or more and the image doesn't seem to dictate the need for such extreme mood lighting. I don't often say this, but, flatten it up a bit.

[wasabean]

-tonydee
thanks for the input, next time i'll try to use a better backdrop, something that is easier to manage or either just a straight black or white, probably all white so it'll look cleaner. i agree with the glasses cutting blocking the eye, that is probably the height i set my tripod&camera.

-jetboy
thanks, i agree with what you're talking about, i should focus more on perecting my lighting to achieve what i'm going and not us PS as a crutch. but what do you mean "the lighting seems to be aroudn 4:1 ratio"?

[jetboy]

Wasabean... read up on this link and it will explain a bit about lighting ratios http://www.studiolighting.net/lighting-ratios-for-portrait-photography/ . In short, you have blown out areas and shadows with zero detail... The contrast between them is outside the exposure limit causing a dramatic effect for some ppl, but imo, its not fitting for this photo. Thats whats great about photography though, even the pros are constantly learning new effects and techniques. Me... I'm a poorly educated amature and enjoy every minute of it. Have fun.