...That is the question. I've always wanted to grow a goatee, although I think I look better - and younger - without. But for some reason I've always wanted to sport such facial hair every now and then, just for a change. It seems that whenever I grow the stubble in preparation, I start shaving and shape the goatee unevenly and have to shave the whole thing off. The past ten days off from work meant another attempt.
This time I quite like the goatee - and it's pretty even on both sides! I know they're not to everybody's taste, including my other half who hates facial hair of any kind. You'd think that obtaining this self-portrait would be an expeditious affair, but I took well over a hundred photos to end up with a few I was okay with. It can be so time-consuming because I'm both the photographer and the subject, so what would usually be done in one or a few attempts ends up taking ten or twenty.
It's also easy to be über-critical with self-portraits. I find that I over-analyse every minor detail, which adds to the time it takes to select a photo I'm happy with. I want to ensure I look decent as well as ensuring it's well taken and composed, so it's a delicate balancing act between vanity and sanity.
Semi-professional photographer based in Nottingham, England, I shoot mainly events and weddings. I'll be posting my work using my Fujis - X100S and X-Pro1.
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good shot... I had a goatee many years ago but suffered from the same shaving problem.. could never get it even... Just saw the Forest highlights.. good win
This is a great portrait of you, and the goatee looks good! You are spot-on about what you said about balancing good photography and good looks in self-portraits. :D
Loved your comment on vanity and sanity. So true! In this case you have a wonderful capture of your self. The goatee looks great. Have fun with it as long as it suits you.
It looks very good and it was interesting to read your commentary about selfies. For myself they look ok but I would hate my partner to have one. I think your wife may win out in the end!! :-)
I think facial hair suits some men - yourself included. And it's funny how critical we become of ourselves in photographs once we get more into the specifics of a photo.
Really nice Vik. I used the time off to start up my beard again too. Great minds think alike, eh? I really like your description of selfies " it's a delicate balancing act between vanity and sanity." Excellent.
I like the framing of this and the lighting really does it justice :)