The Gambler by stray_shooter

The Gambler

My first self portrait for 365. My photo class assignment this week was to emulate Cindy Sherman and her historic "Untitled Film Stills" series. I was attempting some sort of Humphrey Bogart look, but stopped short of the cigarette and complimentary smoke.

What I learned in taking this photo: I'm very uncomfortable taking self portraits.
You need to tip your hat back a bit for Humphrey and you could always pretend with the smoke - roll up a piece of thin paper etc. Classic stuff!
February 19th, 2017  
Wow what an amazing selfie, you definitely got this one spot on, wonderful side lighting and gritty detail an image full of atmosphere straight off a Hollywood billboard Ron its an instant fav:)
February 19th, 2017  
Great self-portrait!! They are not a cinch to do, that's for certain. The lighting's excellent and you've pulled off a classic gambler look. Have to say I would not have guessed it to be you based on the thumbnail view I've gotten use to seeing.
February 19th, 2017  
It may be uncomfortable for you, but it's a WOW photo of you Ron... Handsome dude!!!
February 19th, 2017  
Excellent selfie. You have nailed it with this one.
February 19th, 2017  
not bad seeing it's your first selfie. it's a tad on the soft side but it lends a story to the shot. and what can i say, the lighting is excellent! i like it! double aces, sir! so were you winning or were you losing? :-)
February 20th, 2017  
Nice selfie. Good job with the lighting.
February 20th, 2017  
Awesome selfie, and applaud you for going for your first one! Classic! Looking great with that hat and tie.
February 20th, 2017  
It's so hard to take "selfies", this is a wonderful photo. I like the color, tone and lighting. And I'm glad you didn't "smoke". Smile.
February 20th, 2017  
Where's all that facial hair gone? You look like a different person :) An excellent shot, very gangster.
February 20th, 2017  
Love this shot... you nailed the look...
February 20th, 2017  
Wow Ron! Wow! This is so cool! I confess I hardly realized it was you at first, but as an actor can, you've pulled together a believable image of the man you wished to portray! The lighting's wonderful! Did you take turns doing this as a class project, or did you set this up at home? More faves if the latter! Much more difficult!!! Love it!
February 20th, 2017  
you look so different to the usual image in the thumbnail - really cool..
love the lighting and your pose plus your "dead pan" look into the camera... such a difficult shot to accomplish - well done Ron..
February 20th, 2017  
You've got to know when to hold 'em
Know when to fold 'em
Know when to walk away
Know when to run............ guess you'd better run now :) I'm impressed Ron! fav
February 20th, 2017  
Well you know what happened to The Gambler don't you. Looks like he's ready for it.
February 20th, 2017  
Great self portrait, easy fav. I you stumble over Howard Schatz' "In Character" you should take a peek. He photograph actors while they try to be in a character given by the photograph.
February 20th, 2017  
Great one. Selfies are hard, we get so used to being behind the camera.
February 20th, 2017  
I never ever have done a selfie (except shadow-selfies) so really appreciate what it took to create this. You captured a look through expression and costume, and took the image yourself -- very impressive.
February 21st, 2017  
I should have paid more attention to the caption. This is You??? What??? Grow some facial hair - quickly!! And what about the locks?
February 21st, 2017  
@maggiemae Yeah, and I could lose about 40 lbs too, and still wouldn't match the man. I actually did think about using a piece of paper to simulate a cigarette, but probably would have tried to light it, then setting myself on fire. Thanks for taking the time to comment. :-)
February 22nd, 2017  
@pcoulson Wow, thanks for all of those nice words and the fav Peter! I do appreciate it.
February 22nd, 2017  
@lyndemc Thanks very much Denise. I have to say that I'm way out of character here - the goatee is temporarily gone and I'm much more at home with a bandana on rather than a hat - it's not even my hat!
February 22nd, 2017  
@aglennc Ha ha, thanks Anita. You are too kind.
February 22nd, 2017  
@onewing Thanks very much Babs, I appreciate the feedback!
February 22nd, 2017  
@summerfield Thanks for the compliments Vikki. Coming from the Queen of the 365 Selfies, that's high praise! Can't you tell by my expression that I'm pretty much losing? It wasn't my intention, but I kind of ended up with a "this hand is NOT good" look on my face. Glad you enjoyed.
February 22nd, 2017  
@skstein Thanks so much Sandy, especially for calling out the lighting. I had just obtained a lightstand with a white umbrella, so figured it was time to put it to work. I was pleased with the result. I appreciate you stopping by the comment!
February 22nd, 2017  
@cjphoto Thanks very much Chris. Good to have the approval of the man who certainly knows his hats and ties!
February 22nd, 2017  
@louannwarren Thank you kindly Lou Ann. I'm glad I didn't smoke too. This was in my house and I probably would have smelled that forever!
February 22nd, 2017  
@888rachel Thanks for the nice words Rachel! Don't worry, the facial hair will be back in a few weeks (for motorcycle season). I usually shave the goat off for the winter. The next selfie (if there ever is one) will likely feature the "normal" look.
February 22nd, 2017  
@swwoman Thanks for the nice words! I had fun with this one.
February 22nd, 2017  
@Weezilou Thanks Louise! Hard to believe, but I did this all on my own at the house. We had recently done portraits in my photo class and our teach had a neat portable studio setup that we made use of. Background cloths, reflectors, lights, umbrellas, the whole shootin' match. A couple days later I saw the B&H Deal Zone had a super bargain on a "home studio" so I grabbed it and this was the first utilization. It was fun to play "Photo Pro" for a bit. Let me know if you want to borrow my studio!
February 22nd, 2017  
@jorlam I do humbly appreciate your comments. Getting the expression was really the hardest part. Funny how much just a subtle shift of the eyes and head can produce such a different result.
February 22nd, 2017  
@gilbertwood Thanks Denise. A Kenny Rogers fan I take it!
February 22nd, 2017  
@runner365 Thanks for that tip. I mentioned Howard Schatz to my photo instructor, and she had not heard of him, but we both promise to get on that. Sound quite interesting.
February 22nd, 2017  
@tigerdreamer Thanks Karen. You nailed it - I think almost all of us would prefer to be on the other side of the camera. Still kind of fun, though.
February 22nd, 2017  
@taffy Thanks Taffy. OK, if we ever get matched up on a get-pushed challenge I know what I'm going to ask you to do! ;-) Thanks for the kind comments.
February 22nd, 2017  
@terryliv Ha ha, you did not recognize this very sterilized version of moi? Don't worry, the hair was pulled back and hiding behind my head and the facial hair will be back in a few weeks. It's a summertime thing - gotta look the part when tooling around on the Harley, you know. I own none of those clothes BTW.
February 22nd, 2017  
@stray_shooter Ah...I may have to continue to avoid get-pushed forever now!
February 22nd, 2017  
@stray_shooter How kind of you! Will it come with a "teacher"?! Might be fun! When I saw B&H was where you snagged it, I realized I should pay more attention to the email when they come across my desk each evening!
February 22nd, 2017  
Lol! Great expression and character. Fav!
February 22nd, 2017  
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