Self Portrait #1

Spooks · #1 (**permalink**) 20-07-2008, 13:57

Photographers Comments
Used natural light from bay window, and table lamp to light from underneath.

Going to have a crack at portraits more now, but thought I would use myself first as a guinea pig.

Comments crits etc please gang, dont be shy - I not learn otherwise..

Serious Critique Required: The photographer has requested he/she would like a more serious level of critique for this image to obtain more constructive critiscism from other members. Please make sure the comments you leave are indeed constructive and aim to help the photographer see the image from a different perspective and/or provide help and guidance to how the image can be improved.

xp1 · #2 (**permalink**) 20-07-2008, 15:17

I am probably not qualified as most on here to comment on what you have asked for but I can comfortably comment on the post work. It would have been more effective had you left the complete bubble on where your hand is. You could have knocked the bg out with layer blends. Also a bit choppy with the erase brush on the bottom left.
Please don,t take offence as I am bloody scared stiff of hoodies.
Cheers

Spooks · #3 (**permalink**) 20-07-2008, 15:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by xp1

I am probably not qualified as most on here to comment on what you have asked for but I can comfortably comment on the post work. It would have been more effective had you left the complete bubble on where your hand is. You could have knocked the bg out with layer blends. Also a bit choppy with the erase brush on the bottom left.
Please don,t take offence as I am bloody scared stiff of hoodies.
Cheers

LOL No offense taken, XP - value your comments - unfortunately the bubble on my hand didn't turn out as expected at the shoot - I was hoping for them to be more in focus, but I think... and I am guessing here, that I didn't have a strong enough light support from underneath: was only using 1 standard desk lamp and it doesn't give off much power.

I agree with you re the choppiness on the bottom left, I should have taken more care cloning out the obstruction that was there in the first place.

Not like hoodies myself, mate, they get people a bad name... LOL

Spooks · #4 (**permalink**) 20-07-2008, 15:43

XP -if u not like hoodies... then yer not going to like my next one either... LOL (kidding, honestly) Its a lot more dark and sinister - no blowing bubbles....!!!

xp1 · #5 (**permalink**) 20-07-2008, 19:14

With a picture as good as this you could make your own bubble to replace the one that is half missing.
Cheers

fayswon · #6 (**permalink**) 20-07-2008, 19:15

I'm not that well qualified either ....but I think that the under lamp worked really well. Good focus on the far eye. I think it would have been less distracting if there were one bubble. My feeling is that the 'hoodie's' mind is not on the bubbles per se, but rather he is kinda doodling as there is a plot building in his mind. Like the furrowed brow and how the light goes up into your hair.

paulcookphotography · #7 (**permalink**) 20-07-2008, 20:50

I really like this one. Ok, so the clone/eraser work at the bottom could be better, and the bubbles aren't perfect, but the concept is there (and its a great concept). That is only a small part of the image though, and lets face it, the bubbles are props.

As far as the portrait work for your face goes, its really good. Excellent detail and highlights/shadows. As i said before, i don't really do portraits, but this is the kind of thing i would probably end up doing!

Also, i'll give you top marks for using a combo of natural lighting and a simple table lamp! Just goes to show that having a lack of 'correct' equipment shouldn't hinder people from experimenting.

Nice one, mate!

PS: Nothing wrong in wearing a hoodie! My black 'Vans' hoodie is almost like part of my kit when i'm out shooting!

Len · #8 (**permalink**) 20-07-2008, 21:09

Nice imagae Mark; not going to comment on clone/eraser but the it seems sharp, in focus where it matters and well conceived; Well done mate

I only have one adverse comment and that it is too scary

as it is a good likeness

Spooks · #9 (**permalink**) 21-07-2008, 07:16

Now, this is a very nice suprise! I didn't think this photo would get some great positive feedback! Thanks guys

XP: Will have a look for a bubble tutorial on tinterweb and see if I can come up with something different. Cheers buddy...

Fay: I agree with you about just the one bubble - lol it was fun trying to blow the bubble, stay in line for the shot and taking the actual capture, so I think I will have to have a play around with this one in Photoshop.

I also like the way you have interpreted this image, using the bubble blowing as doodle matter while something far sinister is brewing in the dark mind! Thanks for your great input, hun

Paul: I had a vague idea of what end product I was after, and as I mentioned earlier in the post, if I had a stronger light source perhaps the bubbles would have been a lot sharper, but it was good practice - lol I was going through a bit of a dark moment at the time, and this is where the idea came from.

As you say, the shadows/highlights etc on the face was exactly what I was looking for, and 'guessed' that if I stuck the lamp pointing up to my face it wold help, and thankfully I got somewhere near.

There was a little burning done in photoshop to help it along.... LOL

I agree with you that you can have a lot of fun practicing with very basic equipment, it gives you that extra buzz when your project turns out ok. At the moment I can't afford the proper equipment, so will be popping to B&Q or somewhere like to get those little oblong halogen lights (500w I think Fay mention) - hopefully can get these for under a tenner... LOL (tell I live in yorkshire?)

To all: Thank you very much for taking the time and for spurring me on to try more of this kind of photography - I really enjoyed doing it!

The cloning at the bottom right... heh I should have known better - that was shoddy work on my half - will sort that out