mjrobson wrote:
Haha, so I pushed you over the edge eh? I was reading through your post and was laughing at the comments because thats definitely me .
Lots of great stuff there, I am going to give it a try later possibly when I get some time.
Thanks!!
Yep...I posted the "core" of this in your SP thread earlier today.
I have been meaning to post a series of SP Methods threads here at the forum for about...eleven months now.
Just when I thought I would...something would come up.
But...seeing your SP attempts prompted me to try to help you get over the initial obstacles. Then I thought I would extend that "help" or tips to the forum in general.
The SP Methods Series is something I wanted to do for a long time because it is such a natural for a new camera owner to want to try to take pictures of someone...anyone...and yet the opportunities may be slim for some. Thus...the ever common "SP in the mirror" shots that get posted so often. Or the "SP taken with on camera flash looking directly at the lens from 3 feet" shot that is also very common.
By the way, if you are new to this forum you should do a quick search of the forum for a past Self Portrait thread started a few months ago. Just type "Self-Portraits" into the search box on this forum. That thread had lots of SPs posted. The thread itself had many viewings (70,000 or so) and there were lots of creative SPs in it. So, that can show someone that not all SPs need to look alike. Get inspired to try something new, daring, original, creative, or very personal. An SP can become a really great photo and perhaps one of your favorites too. I have seen many that I thought were highly creative for the SP genre.
Steve Wan wrote:
While I'm at it let me suggest that rather than using the self timer, you use the interval timer, that way(at least with Nikon cameras) the camera can be set to closest subject priority and will refocus before each shot...it will find you rather than you prefocusing and having to put yourself in the exact spot. I set the interval for about 15 frames with a space of maybe 5 or 8 seconds between exposures and just get in front of the camera and have fun...
Hi Steve,
That is a good suggestion. To the best of my knowledge (admittedly small in many areas) the "interval" timer method is not available on the lower end Canon cameras or so I think.
But that is a nice method/feature you mentioned. I wish my camera had that. '
Thanks for contributing something positive to this discussion.
Yep...you have to twist the flash head around backwards for this to work.
Of course, "bounce flash" is not something new. But, for a new camera/flash owner, it may seem strange to take a SP with the flash pointed away from the subject/face/self. The reason may not be immediately apparent to someone with less experience than you.
This post is about sharing a tip on a technique or method to help others get better looking SPs.
I use this technique when shooting candids around the church. My assistant holds my reflector while I kick light to them via 550. Easy stuff. I demonstrate that technique in my classes as well.
You can create a great portrait with floor lamps if need be.
Thanks Steady, I find myself always looking for your posts because I know I will learn something. I am going to have to try this tomorrow and MAYBE post my results...
Thanks for posting the first SP here using this method.
The first impression I got of this image was: "Natural."
It looks like someone else took the picture (not the typical SP look).
It appears to me as if you are sitting right in front of me. Good light, nice shadows (they are important on a face), good "off axis" angle or POV.
Notice the nice "shadow side" of the face. It makes the nose look more "3 dimensional" and gives the face a nice natural "modeling" and dimension.
In comparison....wait..."there is no comparison" .....well here is the link to your first SPs that got me thinking of taking the time to write down and illustrate this method.
In case anyone reading this missed those earlier SPs by Matt, here is the link to that thread:
Compare for yourself how the eyes and face look due to the difference in how the flash is used (and body/face positioned too).
IF you see a difference (and I do), then take out your flash and try one for yourself at home. Just remember to follow the steps (tips) and you should also see a significant improvement (over direct flash SPs). Then post your example here. IF you take a "before and after" type shot, post those... even an example of "regular method (direct flash to subject, direct face to camera) and method suggested above "Steady method" (reversed flash off blank wall, off axis body and head SP).
Especially the fire one. Very "hot" image with drama. Well done.
And the "rule" to be random and have fun is a good one too.
But...were any of these images using the method in the discussion?
IF not, give it a try.
No, they aren't using the technique but I figured a good way to make your self portrait show you is to let yourself go. Usually when I take a self portrait it is to try a new lighting technique... If I have time I will try yours out step by step.
shadowwing wrote:
But do not know why, you have the map I can not see. Unfortunately.
However, thank you very much for such a detailed discussion of this topic, and we benefited.
Hi,
I am glad you liked it.
I don't know why the illustration would not be visible on your internet connection. It is a jpg and not a large file. It is posted on a web server and seems to work and is visible for others. Try clearing your cache and try the link again or enter the thread again.
Steady, this is GREAT stuff. I have never tried a self portrait (don't want to break my expensive camera) but I am bookmarking this page as a future reference (for a day that I am feeling bold enough or bored enough to give it a try). Thanks.
David Israel wrote:
Steady, this is GREAT stuff. I have never tried a self portrait (don't want to break my expensive camera) but I am bookmarking this page as a future reference (for a day that I am feeling bold enough or bored enough to give it a try). Thanks.
Dave
Hi Dave.
Glad you liked the post/idea.
My Simple Suggestion: Make tonight "that" night.
Break the "ice" and I assure you, you won't break the camera. But, it may break some inhibitions and give you something "cool" and some new "subject" who is always around when you want to photograph someone.
.
