I just got into photography a week ago and did my first self-portrait yesterday. Not sure if I like it though. I know that the direction of my gaze makes the photo look kinda off but I was wondering if there's anything else I could have done to make the photo look better.
You are right that the biggest problem in this picture is that you are not looking at the lens but slghtly to the left of the lens which is not good.
I think as well your head is turned left which reduces the dramatic effect of framing through the exact centre of your head. Take the picture square on is my suggestion
3rdly I think you have too much space and it is a distracting color on right.
Lastly I think you head is too small in the frame - I suggest a portrait framing with 1/2 the amount of space on right and a more dark consistent background
I am not sure I agree with the looking outside the frame as being a minus.
Actually I like the idea that there is conciousness injected about what's
beyoond the frame. Asthetically framing you slightly left to the frame and
a tad closer would have been my preference.
I too think the exposure is overdone but the lighting seems OK otherwise. I don't mind the half a head look but I think it should occupy more of the frame. Less empty space would be better. Either crop of shoot in portrait mode, but don't get too close or you'll distort facial features.
Also, please post the shooting data either as text or else include the EXIF data in the image. The image should generally be bigger too if people are to judge detail and sharpness.
Welcome to photography and to FM. Remember to try to learn from our comments but use your own judgement (or else experiment) to decide whether or not we are right. None of us are perfect. Well, not all the time anyway Different people have different attitudes, likes and opinions and you could get very confused or disheartened if you took all criticism personally. Give us the EXIF data and you'll generally get better feedback and more or better suggestions for improvement.
Different people have different attitudes, likes and opinions and you could get very confused or disheartened if you took all criticism personally. Give us the EXIF data and you'll generally get better feedback and more or better suggestions for improvement.