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a self-portrait

raingirlraingirl Registered Users Posts: 37 Big grins
edited September 10, 2009 in People
Okay, i'm new at this and this is my second try at a self portrait. it was taken with my Nikon Coolpix and edited with Microsoft Photo Editor. Critique welcome.

634921802_d8Aiq-L.jpg
I now have control of your mind

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    kygardenkygarden Registered Users Posts: 1,060 Major grins
    edited August 30, 2009
    Good job. Nice use of the light!
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    PhotosbyKWPhotosbyKW Registered Users Posts: 137 Major grins
    edited August 30, 2009
    I like it. There is a slight shadow cast but it is not distracting.

    KAW.
    Consistantly Inconsistant.

    www.PhotosbyKW.smugmug.com
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    Tina ManleyTina Manley Registered Users Posts: 179 Major grins
    edited August 30, 2009
    raingirl wrote:
    Okay, i'm new at this and this is my second try at a self portrait. it was taken with my Nikon Coolpix and edited with Microsoft Photo Editor. Critique welcome.

    Are you really 12 years old? You have a great future as a model/photographer!! I would like a little more room in the direction you are looking and above your head; otherwise, I think it's great! Keep up the good work.

    Tina

    www.tinamanley.com
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    raingirlraingirl Registered Users Posts: 37 Big grins
    edited August 31, 2009
    thanks!
    I now have control of your mind

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    Wil DavisWil Davis Registered Users Posts: 1,692 Major grins
    edited August 31, 2009
    I like the lighting, but you're looking out of the frame…

    You need to look into the camera (else I feel like I'm intruding…)

    There's all that wasted space on the left…

    …is that your arm or does it belong to someone else? (Inquiring minds want to know :D)

    Thanks for sharing - hey, keep experimenting and you'll find out what works and what doesn't thumb.gif

    - Wil
    "…………………" - Marcel Marceau
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    Tim KamppinenTim Kamppinen Registered Users Posts: 816 Major grins
    edited August 31, 2009
    Wil Davis wrote:
    ....you're looking out of the frame…

    You need to look into the camera

    I couldn't disagree more. The world would be a very boring place if everyone always looked straight into the camera for portraits.

    This is a very nice photo. Keep paying attention to light as you have here and you'll do well as a photographer. The only thing I don't like personally is the arm and hand in the shot, which is a bit distracting IMO.
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    QarikQarik Registered Users Posts: 4,959 Major grins
    edited August 31, 2009
    nice simply done shot..I wish there was just a touch more light on the darkside of the face.clap.gif
    D700, D600
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    sweet carolinesweet caroline Registered Users Posts: 1,589 Major grins
    edited August 31, 2009
    I like you looking out of the frame, and the soft shadow cast on the wall. You remind me of my 12 year old in this portrait:)

    Off to a great start with photography!

    Caroline
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    JwarJwar Registered Users Posts: 112 Major grins
    edited August 31, 2009
    i think i remember your first try, this is much improvedclap.gifclap.gif
    Jay

    Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder.
    Kinky Friedman
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    eL eSs VeeeL eSs Vee Registered Users Posts: 1,243 Major grins
    edited August 31, 2009
    I think you've submitted a very nice fashion-style portrait. The only thing I'd've done, had it been my shot, would be to add a reflector to image left. Just for a touch of fill . . . not much. But it's your picture, not mine. Very well done. thumb.gifthumb.gif
    Lee
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    raingirlraingirl Registered Users Posts: 37 Big grins
    edited September 1, 2009
    thanks. as for the arm, its mine. i was covering one of my friends doodles. she decided to write a story about a ninja on my arm...:help
    I now have control of your mind

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    RBrogenRBrogen Registered Users Posts: 1,518 Major grins
    edited September 1, 2009
    I like it.... definitely shows promise of talent ! :)
    Randy Brogen, CPP
    www.brogen.com

    Member: PPA , PPANE, PPAM & NAPP
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    rainbowrainbow Registered Users Posts: 2,765 Major grins
    edited September 1, 2009
    Well done!

    What I suggest you try is to cut off the left side to change it into portrait mode and try lightening it slightly so that you do not lose all detail on the one side of your face. See if you like it this way.

    Either way, your self-portrait is far better than I will ever be able to take -- you have a much better looking subject!:yikes
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    leaforteleaforte Registered Users Posts: 1,948 Major grins
    edited September 1, 2009
    I would put some space above your head. Nice work with the cool pix.
    Growing with Dgrin



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    RBrogenRBrogen Registered Users Posts: 1,518 Major grins
    edited September 1, 2009
    Thanks Rainbow and leaforte. I may try the different approaches.
    Randy Brogen, CPP
    www.brogen.com

    Member: PPA , PPANE, PPAM & NAPP
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    bobmatabobmata Registered Users Posts: 9 Beginner grinner
    edited September 2, 2009
    Edge Lighting
    raingirl wrote:
    Okay, i'm new at this and this is my second try at a self portrait. it was taken with my Nikon Coolpix and edited with Microsoft Photo Editor. Critique welcome.

    634921802_d8Aiq-S.jpg

    Hi everyone! I'm a newbie. I just like to comment.

    Nice application of Edge lighting. Also you emphasized your slender neck.
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    Scott_QuierScott_Quier Registered Users Posts: 6,524 Major grins
    edited September 2, 2009
    I'm going to have to comment on a lot of the C&C that's been posted here:
    • "More room above your head" - cutting just that little bit off is a distraction. Either do it in big bites or not at all.
    • "More room to the (camera) right of you" - Disagree, this is shot, as composed says something. I really like the crowded feel with you right up against the frame edge. The empty space to your right (camera left) is cool too.
    • The shadow cast on the wall - tradition would have you a bit further (or closer) to the wall to either remove that shadow or to make it stronger. I like the faintness of it - it seems to fit in well with your expression.
    • I really like the soft quality of the light coming from camera right. I would, however, like to see just a bit more of it bounced back to fill the shadows on the right side of your face. These shadows are a bit strong, by about a stop, for the rest of the shot.
    Hmmm .... only 12 yo? Wow!
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    chrisdgchrisdg Registered Users Posts: 366 Major grins
    edited September 2, 2009
    I'm going to have to comment on a lot of the C&C that's been posted here:
    • "More room above your head" - cutting just that little bit off is a distraction. Either do it in big bites or not at all.
    • "More room to the (camera) right of you" - Disagree, this is shot, as composed says something. I really like the crowded feel with you right up against the frame edge. The empty space to your right (camera left) is cool too.
    • The shadow cast on the wall - tradition would have you a bit further (or closer) to the wall to either remove that shadow or to make it stronger. I like the faintness of it - it seems to fit in well with your expression.
    • I really like the soft quality of the light coming from camera right. I would, however, like to see just a bit more of it bounced back to fill the shadows on the right side of your face. These shadows are a bit strong, by about a stop, for the rest of the shot.
    Hmmm .... only 12 yo? Wow!

    I fully agree with Scott's points. Particularly, in terms of the framing, if you are off in deep thought, we shouldn't really be able to see where you are looking, as it adds to the mystery...and the empty space behind you emphasizes the effect.

    I do agree that the hand coming out from nowhere is bit dismembered. But overall, nice work. Keep it up.
    -Chris D.
    http://www.facebook.com/cdgImagery (concert photography)
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    paul-goodallpaul-goodall Registered Users Posts: 1 Beginner grinner
    edited September 2, 2009
    I really like this!
    The slight shadow is a nice touch.
    I think looking out of the frame works here and the tones in the shot are just right.
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    AngeloAngelo Super Moderators Posts: 8,937 moderator
    edited September 2, 2009
    I think it's a great shot.

    People can nit-pick all they want but I think you've demonstrated what creativity is all about.

    The only point I might agree with is a tiny bit of fill light, camera left, would improve without changing the image.
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    raingirlraingirl Registered Users Posts: 37 Big grins
    edited September 2, 2009
    thanks for the suggestions! when i try again i'll definitely keep them in mind.
    I now have control of your mind

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    FlyingginaFlyinggina Registered Users Posts: 2,639 Major grins
    edited September 2, 2009
    I think the portrait is absolutely wonderful.

    There is no question in my mind to whom the hand and arm belong. I love that you are looking out of the frame. Having part of your face largely in darkness adds to the feel of the photograph.

    Just remember that you will please 100% of the people 0% of the time.

    The goal is to do your best work in pleasing yourself.

    Virtginia
    _______________________________________________
    "A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you, the less you know." Diane Arbus

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    michswissmichswiss Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 2,235 Major grins
    edited September 3, 2009
    I don't have any additional nits to add. But I will say it is a lovely SP and I can only hope to ever capture something that nice of myself.
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    QuietlightQuietlight Registered Users Posts: 10 Big grins
    edited September 3, 2009
    Hope you don't mind. I had to give it a shot. Worked your photo through Lightroom.
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    AngeloAngelo Super Moderators Posts: 8,937 moderator
    edited September 3, 2009
    Quietlight wrote:
    Hope you don't mind. I had to give it a shot. Worked your photo through Lightroom.

    ne_nau.gif
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    Scott_QuierScott_Quier Registered Users Posts: 6,524 Major grins
    edited September 4, 2009
    Quietlight wrote:
    Hope you don't mind. I had to give it a shot. Worked your photo through Lightroom.
    headscratch.gifeek7.gif And completely changed the mood of the photo. I think I much prefer the OP's version - sorry.
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    raingirlraingirl Registered Users Posts: 37 Big grins
    edited September 6, 2009
    okay, this is an older photo i took using the same equipment.

    641544886_g6L8C-S-1.jpg
    I now have control of your mind

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    cwhitecwhite Registered Users Posts: 11 Big grins
    edited September 6, 2009
    Nice effort! :):
    -Chris
    My SmugMug gallery: http://cwhite.smugmug.com/
    My 52-week project: 52 Weeks of Photography
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    Wil DavisWil Davis Registered Users Posts: 1,692 Major grins
    edited September 7, 2009
    raingirl wrote:
    okay, this is an older photo i took using the same equipment.

    641544886_g6L8C-S-1.jpg

    Ah! …nice job! thumb.gif

    - Wil
    "…………………" - Marcel Marceau
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    Scott_QuierScott_Quier Registered Users Posts: 6,524 Major grins
    edited September 7, 2009
    This is nice! Don't be concerned about your equipment at this point. You have a huge and growing talent!

    I really, really like the light in this one as well. I'm guessing window light? Whatever it is is working for you!

    If you don't mind I grabbed a copy of your photo and spent just a couple of minutes making a couple of basic adjustments. I can pull it if you like.

    Here's what I did ('cause just seeing it doesn't teach much):
    • Corrected the temperature a touch using the white of your eye as a starter. This resulted in something just a little too coo for my taste so I warmed it up a touch
    • Cropped it a bit
    • Added a little fill light to bring out the highlights in your hair
    • A little vibrance, clarity, and added a little brightness
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