I hate to even suggest any change, but 0.5 to 1.0 degree or so of counterclockwise would be my take.
Such a nit, but I know you appreciate those.
That trivial observation aside, the moment, the pose, the gaze and intent but not off-putting expression, the wardrobe, the "prop" and all it conveys - serious photographer but presented both carefully and nonchalantly... the light, the exposure, composition, tonal values... what a great shot.
Cheers everyone! Thank you for the comments and suggestions!
film_4ever: The camera is a Hasselblad 500c/m with an 80mm "c" planar, circa 1971/70 respectively. This was shot in a mirror, so the camera you see is the camera that took the photo. The aperture was around f/8 if I recall, and the shutter was fairly slowish. The film is Tri-X. The image is reversed horizontally to correct for the reflection.
I like the clues you give in this Evan. The unmade bed, the hotel like curtains is life on the road. The arm forming an arrow pointing out makes me wonder where you are headed next. The gaze keeping and the subject placement (you) keeping the viewers gaze on you. I like that you have a dark band at the left side of the frame forming a frame edge and I've always found the frame in a frame interesting in photographs. And that frame behind your body helps keep the eye from following the arrow formed by your arm elbow from going out the right side of the frame. Gotta love a square portrait. I do and nothing better for it than a blad...
Nothing to add to the previous comments Evan (i too thought you were older from reading your usual insightful comments).
This makes me miss my Hassies even more :-(
If it's easy to reverse a shot today with digital it was another story with film back in the days since once the negative put upside down int the negative carrier the image on the emulsion side had to go through the plastic support of the film itself thus creating a slight off or soft focus image. None of this is apparent here.
I like your selfie a lot, Evan. Your post processing to take years and pounds off is excellent. (ha ha) The M*A*S*H t-shirt is a great choice as it ties your life to the image. My only critique is regarding the amount of light thrown by the reflector. Can't help but wonder if the image would be stronger if the left side of your face, image right, was somewhat darker. Not sure about it. Great shot and time well spent.
