Not really happy with this self-portrait. I was trying to work with light, colour, and angles, but couldn’t quite get it right in the 10 minutes that I had allotted for this photo session. I ended up editing it in iPhoto, just using the B & W + vignette options. But, that’s it. No cropping, etc. It’s okay, I guess. But, I wish I can do other things with self-portraiture. However, I’m aware that in order to do something more, I need to find more time to do this. And, I just don’t have that time. Ah, well. Gotta make do with what you’ve got, right?
Anyway, I hope you all are having a good weekend. I’m trying to take it easy, as I’ve been hoping to catch up on some chores and rest. Plus, things have been really crazy on my side of the sky lately. Funny how getting some ‘down time’ can be such a challenge nowadays.
Take care, everyone.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Kay 11.22.08 at 9:58 pm
Hi there- just popped up at me from Plurk! I can never stick to those small scheduled time frames like ‘10 mins for a photo’! I need an hour for anything. Your portrait is a major project if you want something worthwhile each time. This one I’d say might have worked better with you on the other side looking INTO the middle of the frame , rather than out the side… have a play in Photoshop! Mind you I couldn’t take a self portrait to save my life!
[Reply]
Shai Coggins reply on November 23rd, 2008:
@Kay – Really wish I can afford to spend an hour or more with photography. Unfortunately, at the moment, I really have a very limited amount of time for it. But yeah, I’m just happy to be able to take some pics again. And yeah – I hardly ever touch Photoshop when it comes to my self-portraits and such. It takes waaaay too long to edit using PS. So, I stick with iPhoto. Anyway, thanks for the feedback.
[Reply]
Kari 11.23.08 at 3:26 am
I’ve never been a fan of any of my self portraits. I tend to only look decent in photos when I don’t know they are being taken. Either way I think yours turned out nice!
[Reply]
Shai Coggins reply on November 23rd, 2008:
Thanks, Kari. Self portraiture is really a strange thing. One thing I learned when I started doing it early this year is to look at the photos with “an outsider’s eye”. I try not to see myself when I take my pictures. I take on the role of a photographer primarily. And, I look at “me” as a model that I can direct from the inside, but not really as “me”. Sort of a “meta photography” thing – if that makes sense.
[Reply]
Heather 11.23.08 at 5:08 pm
Hi Shai,
I think it’s great you’ve done something. I know this month has been a really busy one for you. Keep it up. You’ll probably come up with some cool solutions to the time problem if you keep pushing yourself to create in the short space given each time.
[Reply]
Shai Coggins reply on November 23rd, 2008:
Thanks so much, Heather. Yeah – it’s interesting how we grow and expand given the amount of space/time we’re given, isn’t it? Let’s see if I can keep up with it long enough to know.
[Reply]
Shelley (aka Soulcreates) 11.23.08 at 10:24 pm
Nice photo Shai, but I will agree with Kay it would work better if you were placed on the left looking right, placing your eyes on the upper left third.
[Reply]
Shai Coggins reply on November 23rd, 2008:
Hi, Shelley. Thanks for the feedback. I think I understand what you mean from a compositional standpoint. That POV, I think, is more pronounced with the vignette effect. When I took the pic and analysed it from the start, the eye/viewpoint didn’t really appear “cut off” because of the space all around the subject. With the vignette, it emphasised that placement. Anyway, thanks again. Always good to remember the rules of composition.
[Reply]