Self Portraits (4)

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Archive 2008 · Self Portraits (4)

RudeMood
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p.1 #1 · Self Portraits (4)

Well, winter is here and it's time to start being creative indoors.

Ive been testing some portrait methods with the least amount of accessories possible. These are going to slowly trickle in. Expect about 5 or so in this post alone. Tools used were a tripod, wireless trigger, Canon 430EX Speedlight (slave) for back light, and diffused Sigma DG500 flash (master). Working against an off-white wall in my kitchen.

What do you all think so far?

1.
This image is copyrighted by the owner

What do you think? What can I do better? I want my eyes to be more prominent. How do I focus more light into them?

Nov 27, 2008 at 12:24 AM

Steady Hand
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p.1 #2 · Self Portraits (4)

Your #3 image has the best exposure.

You want suggestions?

Try this.

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/708380/0?keyword=fool,proof#6387255

Follow the directions exactly.

But...even with a single method there are lots of possibilities and it does take some experimenting. Just stick with the method for a while until you see the results of minor changes. Don't change big things (e.g. adding more flashes). Don't use two flashes. Don't use a slave. Don't put the flash on "direct to face."

When trying it, you should vary the angles of your face to the camera (and eyes) and don't "look at the camera" every time.

Nov 27, 2008 at 12:58 AM

RudeMood
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p.1 #3 · Self Portraits (4)

It was actually that thread that inspired me. My apartment doesn't have any walls to utilize like you had in your description, so I had to make due and get creative with some flash bounce.

Nov 27, 2008 at 01:48 AM

Jim Rickards
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p.1 #4 · Self Portraits (4)

The light is not reaching the eyes well in the first three. I do see a catchlight in #1. Maybe the bounced light is coming in at too steep an angle, causing the shading of the eyes.

Nov 27, 2008 at 02:13 AM

RudeMood
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p.1 #5 · Self Portraits (4)

Jim Rickards wrote:
The light is not reaching the eyes well in the first three. I do see a catchlight in #1. Maybe the bounced light is coming in at too steep an angle, causing the shading of the eyes.

Very true. Would It be good if I used a reflector aiming up from the floor toward my eyes?

Nov 27, 2008 at 02:16 AM

MSC
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p.1 #6 · Self Portraits (4)

Liking the last one best...good pose and good framing...nice and sharp eyes.

Nov 27, 2008 at 02:18 AM

Jim Rickards
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p.1 #7 · Self Portraits (4)

RudeMood wrote:
Jim Rickards wrote:
The light is not reaching the eyes well in the first three. I do see a catchlight in #1. Maybe the bounced light is coming in at too steep an angle, causing the shading of the eyes.

Very true. Would It be good if I used a reflector aiming up from the floor toward my eyes?
I think the best method is to arrange for the light to light your face from a lower angle. If bounced light off the ceiling doesn't work (too steep an angle, shading the eye sockets), maybe flash mounted on a flash bracket with a diffuser would work.

Nov 27, 2008 at 12:25 PM

Steady Hand
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p.1 #8 · Self Portraits (4)

RudeMood wrote:
It was actually that thread that inspired me. My apartment doesn't have any walls to utilize like you had in your description, so I had to make due and get creative with some flash bounce.

Hi.

This is not posted as a "retort" or "debate."

I offer it in a friendly tone of voice simply to clarify something about my earlier suggestion.

The method I suggested is for use of a plain wall and a single on-camera flash. So that is different from your method (and it is plain to see).

You wrote that you don't have the right kind of walls in your dwelling. What kind of wall was that behind your head?

It looks plain and "white" and would have made a good reflective surface for the method I suggested.

The key thing about the method I linked is that in it, you should be facing the wall, not with your back to it..

But...as I always say...Follow your own muse.

Nov 27, 2008 at 12:39 PM


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