@julieco challenged me to take a selfie since I am lacking in portraits in my project. She challenged another lady to do this too. Well here is my first attempt. Not nearly as good as the other lady but I'm happy for a first attempt. I want to use the best attempt as my new avatar for my 2nd year in 365 which starts next week. So please chime in with thoughts. This is not a time for being kind rather a time for honest suggestions but forward in a kindly way. I am posting early to try to attract plenty of attention.
The girl done good! Knowing the image that was your inspiration for this, you really have taken the key features and used them in your own way to make a lovely self-portrait which wiould work well as your avatar. You may need to up the exposure a bit for the details to be clear in a thumbnail and I suggest that you use a local adjustment to drop the exposure on the one front tooth that has caught the light more than the others. You get a mentor's Fav for this, essentially for your learning and the way you have put it into practice - excellent work!
@joansmor Personally I'm OK with the left eye in shadow, it's in keeping with the low-key treatment of this portrait - @joansmor aka 'The Dark and Mysterious One' ;-)
Beautiful portrait! I love your new nickname, too. You already heard about the exposure, and I like the low key very much. The lighting from the flash looks fantastic, especially the catch light. One thing you could try is to turn your head just a bit toward the flash to put more of your face in shadow. It's a technique I learned from a portrait workshop and it's called short lighting. Something to try anyway. Fav because I want to try this. Flattery is sincerest form of compliment!!
I love the pose! How courageous to do this! I don't have anything to add because the things I thought have already been said. Wonderful first attempt, and I'll look forward to seeing the next!
not sure if "dark and mysterious" describes the person I see in the picture. I like this picture; to me, you look comfortable and relaxed -- no need to jump up and put on the lights etc.
It's a fabulous selfie....I am not technical at all so am not able to offer advice...except I would like to see both of your lovely eyes. It IS so nice to "see" you ...helps to "connect" with 365 friends when we can "see" them.
Hello! As I expected, you have done well and as I suspected, your followers are glad to see you. I agree with what Richard says re the exposure. I like that you have catchlights in your eye and I really like the close crop.
Great portrait in low key. The way as we show ourselves in a self portrait gives a hint about us. As told before you should deal maybe with this little shies. ;)
Joan love your first selfie, love the pose you look sooooo relaxed about it!
Black and White is very nice as well.
Nice to meet the lady behind the camera.
FAV
Wow -- 4 to go and year one is complete! This is such a cool low-key avatar. I think others' suggestions about lighting and tone make sense and I don't have anything else to add, except you are brave to do this!!
I tried to do this last night and failed miserably! I love the way you've positioned yourself and your expression. I already commented but I had to let you know that I think this is genius and that I wish I could double fav it!
I think it is lovely Joan and how brave of you to get so up close and personal with the camera! I agree with getting rid of the highlight on your tooth but really, it is fantastic!
@kt8ird I used a poll light to the side, (tv on behind camera because I forgot to turn off), and my flash on camera pointed to the same side as the pole light and slightly up to bounce off the wall. I used my remote with timer option so I could drop it, a tripod and of course looked right into the lens and tried to not have that "are you going to work" look.
This was a great push, and you did very well looking so relaxed. the sooner people get over the fear of doing selfies the better, noone will think you are vain or funny looking here I found, a lived in face has so much more interest anyway and you get to choose which face you put out there, my outtakes are sometimes very horrible lol. . I have done lots of selfie since my first one two years ago! may this be the first of many, such an improvement on your 'behind the camera' avatar.
@debbie3108 I think if I up the exposure as Richard says I will fix this.
Black and White is very nice as well.
Nice to meet the lady behind the camera.
FAV