Self 'portrait'

[buurin]

Not really a portrait since you can't even see my face... This was more an exercise in playing with snooted light using myself as the subject.

I like the idea here but I feel like it could be better, any ideas? If I had a 2nd light I would try to separate my hair from the background.

Lighting info: 1 285HV w/ snoot @ camera left.
#1
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3571/3441313548_8e5a2017ee_o.jpg

#2 - 3:1 aspect ratio w/ some sharpening
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3639/3440500011_1157676e4d_b.jpg

Thanks
B

[Robert_Lay]

I like it too - so far as I'm concerned it certainly qualifies as a very good portrait. Your concern about the tonal merger of your hair with the background is well founded. That is one of the two things I would suggest for improvement - the other is that compositionally, I think the figure should be sitting a little further from the right edge. As it is there is a little too much space to the left.

[C-Shuler]

I like this and really dont think you need the hair light since the lighting ratio is so strong. Since most of your body blends into the background, your hair should too, at least that is my opinion. The only thing that bothers me a little is I can see the background right in the center and it has wrinkles. Moving further from the background would eliminate that, or a different type of material that would not reflect the light so much, such as felt or velvet.

[hawkeye60]

In this case I think the hair blending into the background works. I agree with Robert about the crop.

[buurin]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll play with the crop and add some more space on the right.

I can see the wrinkled background between my right arm and leg. Do you see it elsewhere? My monitor is not calibrated.

I was thinking of picking up some felt and trying this again. I used a very small piece of canvas for this. I just barely fit onto the thing. It worked out for the best though because if it was big enough I would not of thought to pose sitting down like that.

Thanks again
B

[tonydee]

Very nice work. I like the curvature through your back and think a hair light might compromise the way that brings the eye gently around and back into the picture. I also like the extreme right placement - adds more energy and drama than a simpler Rule of Thirds or near-central placement. Hope to see some more from you soon. Cheers, Tony

[grimm5577]

some back lighting might pop you out from the background. i kind of like the offset/crop. gives more of an alone sense.

[Flo]

The second one for me.love the crop..and the added editing really works..great SP!