Low key self portraits

Hello,
I've been trying to get some decent results with just one light. A small (40x60cm~) softbox that i made myself out of .. stuff. Pictures are a bit out of focus. It's a bit hard to focus on thin air when there isn't anyone around to help you. Other than that I'm totally open for criticism. PP is minimal. I'm trying to learn to control lighting. I know I could invite a friend (a model) to help me with that but I can't think of a guy who'd pose and girls get upset if the results aren't as good as expected so I'm left alone in here. At least for now

All pictures taken at ISO 400. First two were taken with Canon 55-250mm f4/5,6 IS at 55mm f4 and the last one was taken with Tamron 28-80 AF f3,5/5,6 at 48mm f4,5. I use a 350D body.

Again, critique and advice is greatly appreciated

1.

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#3 is my favorite. It would have been even better, to me, had you gotten just a little of your torso and maybe crop out some of the dead space on the right.

Great work...especially for self portraits. I know what you mean about focusing on "the air"...not the easiest thing to do. The only thing I don't like is the cut off fingers in the first one which could be easily fixed. The third one is my favorite as well...very cool.

Have fun with the light control!
B

Thanks, I'm glad you like it
How would you fix cut off fingers in the first picture without having to reshoot it?

first one is not that bad with the fingers cut off..

i know it is a rule but rules can be broken..

dont sweat man..

btw great photos..

phamster

marsaz wrote in post #9125529
Thanks, I'm glad you like it
How would you fix cut off fingers in the first picture without having to reshoot it?

You could just crop it tighter.

Phamster's right though, it's not a big deal and the rule can be broken. I just noticed it right away, probably because I'm working on paying more attention to little things like that in my own photography.

There's SO much to watch for before you click that little button.
B

carseasoncity wrote in post #9126875
You could just crop it tighter.

Phamster's right though, it's not a big deal and the rule can be broken. I just noticed it right away, probably because I'm working on paying more attention to little things like that in my own photography.

There's SO much to watch for before you click that little button.
B

Very true. I'm still very new to photography and often miss little things (not so little sometimes too). I noticed the fingers though, but had no idea where to crop it to improve so left it as is.

Anyway, thank you all for encouragement. I'll keep working on this

I was all set to give you some critique, but then I got to #3 and totally lost all train of thought

PaulaLynn wrote in post #9126945
I was all set to give you some critique, but then I got to #3 and totally lost all train of thought

um...

this is done with all natural light right?

well done low key esp in #3 thats def a keeper! esp for a self portrait!

Burton8787 wrote in post #9127501
this is done with all natural light right?

Not sure what you mean. I used one light. The room wasn't totally dark. I used some PP to darken the background.

Cliff666 wrote in post #9129071
well done low key esp in #3 thats def a keeper! esp for a self portrait!

Thanks! Can't wait to try this setup with someone posing for me

#3 is deeeeelightful.:p

I've been carefully studying it. Got any more?
I have the same problem you've got, no model. No one even bribe-able.

pennypue wrote in post #9131016
#3 is deeeeelightful.:p

I've been carefully studying it. Got any more?
I have the same problem you've got, no model. No one even bribe-able.

Oh, studying you say. And what did you learn?

No, I haven't got any more. Not yet at least. I was surprised at the attention #3 got so I guess I'll try shooting myself again.