The first - totally exposed, no war paint and not in the right frame of mind to be doing a self portrait. (does it show!!)
AV mode, ss 1/25, f4.5, ISO 200, focal length 31mm, WB auto
Image two - when thinking about this theme I had lots of creative ideas - but when I tried to put some into practise they didn't quite work out, one I shall revisit and spend more time on. Getting a reflection in the window.
AV mode, ss 4 sec, f5.0, ISO 640, focal length 40mm, WB auto.
Thrid image - war paint on and more in the mood for this project! 
AV mode, ss1/40, f5.0, ISO 500, focal length 40mm, WB - custom,
Four image - my favourite - just my eyes
AV mode, ss 1/160, f5.0, ISO 500, focal length 55mm, WB custom.
So there you have it my first serious attempt at doing a self portrait. Did I enjoy it? when focused yes, would I do it again? yes, did I learn anything from it (apart from how many double chins I have)? yes. mainly using the light source and positioning myself to get the best without too many shadows, playing with the ISO for indoor use, too get a good shutter speed without too much noise and custom white balance is a great tool to use, very rapidly becoming my permanent white balance. So easy to set and makes such a difference.
So fire away with your critique, suggestions for improvements etc etc. Please visit the other girls (Yvonne, Louise, Joy, Eileen who are taking part in this challenge as well and critique their images as well. Thank you. x
Found this article the other day about self portrait - which I thought was good. http://www.digital-photography-school.com/5-benefits-of-a-self-portrait-project
Hi there - I wonder how many people take up photography so that they can stay behind the lens!
ReplyDeleteInteresting set of shots, seeing how you "play' with the same subject.
Think I'll stick to fast moving butterflies!
Stewart M - Australia
The first one made me smile as it shows exactly how you feel. The last two are great and the lighting works so well. I would be tempted to crop the last image slightly to take away a little more of your nose and hair and really focus on the eyes. This is definitely my favourite as it is so expressive.
ReplyDeletelovely shots karen, well done, I love the way you have played with the shadows in the final two. I took a few shots of myself in the microwave door, which didn't quite work out, but like your window shot, gave me some ideas for the future.
ReplyDeletemine are here:
http://joyknitt.blogspot.com/2011/12/326-self-portrait.html
Loving the first one - made me smile!!
ReplyDeleteI tried the reflection one too, then ruled it out completely - maybe that's one to revisit in the future.
Your favourite one is also mine. Wish i'd thought about a close up on the eyes!
Hi Karen,
ReplyDeleteFirst a question is it just the five of us doing this ... you, Yvonne, Joy, Louise and me?
Now to your photos ... I think you've ended up with a really good set of photos. Like you I had lots of ideas which I just couldn't get to work properly this time (but which are stored in my mind for the future!). I like the lighting in the first one but find the background distracting and would have considered cropping to remove the door and the window. The 3rd and 4th ones are lovely and I like the close framing and the low light/shadows. Great exposure on these too. My favourite one in no. 3 - I just really like the lighting and the composition.
Thank you. Eileen there are 7 of us, those you listed then Jo and Nathalie. Anyone is welcome to join in - the more the merrier.
ReplyDeleteKaren I think you have done s lovely set of self portraits.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos. Ok what happened with the first one, you were ovbiously concentrating coz there are non of your wonderful smiley eyes LOL So I love the last two as they are you to a tee.
ReplyDeleteLove and Hugs
Yvonne