Self Portrait

This is my first real attempt at both, a self portrait, and off camera flash. This is more of a test shot, as shooting people puts me way out of my comfort zone, so any and all tips are appreciated... I've used a single 430EXii with a shoot through umbrella.

If i could get some tips on PP as well as lighting etc that would be great, as i have absolutely no idea what to do with it!?!?! lol! So far just added a bit of contrast, dodged the eyes and sharpened with USM.

Cheers guys n gals

Wow that's fab. Love it.

high five

nice shot

I suppose you could clone and smooth skin to get the "hey I'm 20 year younger" look/feel. Apart from that, I don't see any further need to push the photo.

JoYork wrote in post #9996168
Wow that's fab. Love it.

nonameowns wrote in post #9996205
high five

nice shot

dche5390 wrote in post #9996560
I suppose you could clone and smooth skin to get the "hey I'm 20 year younger" look/feel. Apart from that, I don't see any further need to push the photo.

hehe! I wouldn't know how to, even if i wanted to!?! Plus, i'd have to draw in hair too, and that really would be hard work!

Thanks for the comments everyone

Another attempt. Trying out a different PP. I'm not decided on the blown highlights!?!?! Part of me thinks it suits the style, but part of me thinks it's just plain wrong...

Nice mate.. Great lighting on the first one!

Cheers matt. Really wasn't sure what i was doing lol!?! I couldn't decide on the composition either... It looks kinda central, but i'm not sure that really hurts it. Need to play more!

I think the centeral fill with with your shoulders works well..

Plus one for the first one, for me I think I would prefer the second if the lighting was toned down a little

Cheers Matt.

Yeah i know what you're saying Adrian, that's the overlay bumping the contrast up. I've tried to do a B&W conversion, which looks a little better, but i'm having trouble copying it without losing detail!?!?! The jpeg is coming out too dark for some reason!?!??!! The original is in 16bit RGB, and when i convert it to sRGB the whole thing muddies up!?!?!

First one yes..nicely done.
Second one,.alot of magenta color.too harsh for me.Not flattering as the first one is.

Thanks for commenting Gail, i'm inclined to agree with you on the 2nd one.

beano wrote in post #10001511
Thanks for commenting Gail, i'm inclined to agree with you on the 2nd one.

I hate the camera pointed at me. so seeing you brave souls do it to yourselves gets a bravo from me

Flo wrote in post #10001535
I hate the camera pointed at me. so seeing you brave souls do it to yourselves gets a bravo from me

Same here actually (As Matt can testify lol!), just can't find anyone else who will let me shoot them lol!