26wk Photo Challenge - Self Portrait!!!

Everyone loves having their photo taken don't they??? No!  Prior to my phtotography crush I would avoid the camera at all costs but since I have become interested in photography I have found a slight willingness to be in front of the camera (still prefer to be behind it) but I am a big believer in not expecting anyone else to do something that I am not willing to do, or maybe it is an age thing, maybe it is because I'm more confident now than ever before, or is it because I have nearly reached the half way mark and decided it is time I started to look in the mirror and see just who this person I call me is and has become!!!  I do not class myself as photogenic and never will, but below is ME!!  All straight out of the camera, no cropping or tweaking, all using natural light as my light source.

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