First critique...self portrait

Photography has been my hobby since the days of the 110 and 126 film cameras, but I am still learning Photoshop Elements and I just downloaded the trial version of Silver Efex Pro 2. I originally took this photo back in February, but it is one of my first conversions with Silver Efex. I started out with the "High Key" preset and tweaked it from there. Taken with my 60D, 24 - 105 lens, and off camera flash bounced off either the ceiling or the wall. Shutter speed 1/60, aperture 4.0, focal length 50mm, self-timer with IR remote control, focus point on my eye. I have learned so much from all of you..any tips for me?

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/cutting4/798400​0713/

Two quick comments. First, there is a lot of empty space at the top of the photo that's serving no purpose. Crop it out.

Second, you're sort of "broad lit". This means that the side of your face that's toward the camera is the side that's being lit. This is a non-traditional way to light a woman's face. If you're aware of that and it was done intentionally, fine, but you should at least be aware of it. The alternative is "short lighting". You can find some more on this here.

You did manage to get some soft light and avoid a harsh shadow from the hat. Quite a nice effort, especially with one light.

Thanks for the advice..I love this forum. Just to clarify, I didn't set out to take this photo (I hate having my picture taken), but I wanted to try out my new 430EX speedlight and no one was around to model for me. I put on my daughters' hat just to cover up my less than perfect hair! The color version straight out of the camera, and one I worked on a little is on my flickr page.

Apart from maybe a wee crop off the top, it's all good. Nice one SJC, and good to put a face to the name!

As a B&W conversion that is tending toward high key its about right. There are some deep blacks in the eyes and detailed white in the hat.

As a portrait is static and lacks visual or emotional depth. Given the circumstances I guess that's understandable. It could be improved a bit with cropping and some additional work on processing.

Cute shot! Nicely done. However take a close look at your chin. This is self-conscious chin-tension. A lot of first-time models get it. Relax that chin when you shoot. It takes a little concentration but give it some practice. Regarding the short vs long lighting comment, that is true when the model is at an angle to the camera and one side of the face is more prominent than the other. In this shot your face is pretty much straight on to the camera so it doesn't matter that much. If your face were turned more to your right then the effect would be noticeable. A suggestion, next time keep the hat, ditch the blouse, and do turn your head to your right and have your main on your right. See how you like it. And if you open up the crop then post in G&N. You're lovely.

JimMcrae wrote in post #14990230
Apart from maybe a wee crop off the top, it's all good. Nice one SJC, and good to put a face to the name!

Everyone noticed the space at the top except me! Oh well I was just surprised to get a half-way decent photo of myself. There are very few pictures of me that are worth sharing! I would much rather be looking through the view finder!

I agree about putting a face to the name...should be mandatory!

dmward wrote in post #14990671
As a B&W conversion that is tending toward high key its about right. There are some deep blacks in the eyes and detailed white in the hat.

As a portrait is static and lacks visual or emotional depth. Given the circumstances I guess that's understandable. It could be improved a bit with cropping and some additional work on processing.

Thanks, I may work on it a bit more.

Qbx wrote in post #14994441
Cute shot! Nicely done. However take a close look at your chin. This is self-conscious chin-tension. A lot of first-time models get it. Relax that chin when you shoot. It takes a little concentration but give it some practice. Regarding the short vs long lighting comment, that is true when the model is at an angle to the camera and one side of the face is more prominent than the other. In this shot your face is pretty much straight on to the camera so it doesn't matter that much. If your face were turned more to your right then the effect would be noticeable. A suggestion, next time keep the hat, ditch the blouse, and do turn your head to your right and have your main on your right. See how you like it. And if you open up the crop then post in G&N. You're lovely.

Thanks for the tips...and the compliment. At my age, the blouse stays on!!! Scary thought!

Well you could still ditch the blouse and keep the crop so you only show bare shoulders - and you could post it here - I think it would look nice.

SJC from VT wrote in post #14996337
Everyone noticed the space at the top except me! Oh well I was just surprised to get a half-way decent photo of myself. There are very few pictures of me that are worth sharing! I would much rather be looking through the view finder!

I agree about putting a face to the name...should be mandatory!

Ha! My face is on my avatar and that's more than enough SJC... if it was as pretty as yours I'd be posting self portraits regularly!

SJC from VT wrote in post #14996369
Thanks for the tips...and the compliment. At my age, the blouse stays on!!!

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