A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man

[GoneFission]

My first attempt at a creative self-portrait (well, at any kind of portrait, really).

http://www.gonefission.us/Uploads/POTN/portrait_small.JPG

No fancy PS tricks here, just me, my camera, and my bathroom mirrors. I took upwards of 100 shots, and this is the closest I came to what I wanted (still not quite there, though). Many had to be thrown out since the focus was way off, or if the focus was right then the composition was wrong. :sigh: To do this right I really need a tripod, which I won't be getting for a while.

Despite all the problems, I really like the effect. Your thoughts, please!

300D w/ kit lense
Av mode
46mm f/5.6
1/4"
ISO100

(My apologies to JJ)

[Titus213]

I think it shows some real artistic thought. Execution is not bad at all. Your expression adds to the effect nicely. Not sure what kind of bathroom mirror you have but the effect there is very interesting and the application great. One of the better self portraits I've seen here. This is the way you learn. Hopefully you can come across a tripod soon at a price you can afford. I know the feeling...

And welcome to the forums.

[sixshot]

A few problems but the overall effect is great. Wait til you get a tripod and then try and try again. Its very creative and as Dave said, your expression adds alot to the shot.

[GoneFission]

Thank you very much for your kind words! Encouragement like that just makes me want to go out and take more and more pictures (too bad I'm stuck at work :().

The mirror arrangement goes as follows: there's the large "main" mirror behind the sink, and a small medicine cabinet on the wall next to the sink, perpendicular to the main mirror. The door on the cabinet swings towards the main mirror, so I opened it most of the way, and stuck my head, the camera, and a desk lamp in the space between the mirrors. A very simple arrangement, but by varying the lighting and the angle between the mirrors it allows for a wide variety of effects.

I'll definitely try this again when I get a tripod. Maybe a better looking model would help too. :lol:

[Streetshooter]

I think it works as is...it's not about sharpness but rather an emotional feeling...the softness lends to the effect you achieved....I like the way the color changes from frame to frame......all the technique in the world means nothing if it ain't got a feeling......and I'm feeling what you did.....don