Self Portrait

Im still very new with any kind of portraits, so i decided that the best practice would be a self portrait.

How would you go about getting the results (or better) that I got?
What I dont have at the moment:
External flash,
Black background,
infinity curve,
remote shutter.

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Ya need more light.....

If you keep your light source used to illuminate the subject close to the subject and the background far back from the subject you can get a pretty black background just because of light fall off.

This may sound harsh, or completely anal, but iron your shirts before you wear them for a portrait session. New shirt out of the package creases are not edgy

When doing portraits you not only want to expose properly, but you want your subjects to look their absolute best.

Heh heh, I was using a darker shirt which didnt work out, and this is the only white shirt I had. I will remember to at least iron it next time :-p
My problems are usually with not enough light, I think I will have to make a plan.

Since this shot has a lack of personal identity, I wasn't aware that it was intended to be a portrait. I like the shots, but not as portraits. Because of the lo-key lighting and the fade-out, I suspect these shots fit better in the genre of art or maybe abstract.

I gotta go with MJ on this one...I really wouldn't consider these as "self portraits" by any sense of the definitions. Even from the sense of the abstract I can't really consider these all that artistic. I'm not trying to be rude and this is of course my own opinion as always, but to me these are just very poorly done. -If- these had a story behind them..."We went to a concert and security busted this guy in line in front of us because he was trying to sneak in his camera", it might make more sense. At the very least it would be a little amusing (unless security nailed you too with your camera that is) but as is as a "self portrait"? Sorry to be blunt here but...I really don't get it. Even from the concept of "the photographer without a face", this just doesn't work. These are the kinds of shots I get when I'm checking exposure or something and I accidentally press the shutter button (and promptly delete the shot afterwards).

On the other hand, I've only had two cups of coffee so far this morning so maybe there's something I missed...

Not trying to hurt anyones feelings here...just being honest.

Peace,
Jim

You mention that you have no external flash or black background. With no external flash your options are limited. I would begin with the following:

1. Lighting your subject using natural light from a north/south facing window.

2. Outdoor portraits in open shade areas.

The portrait photogs around here are great (I'm not one), and hopefully they can offer more suggestions.