ego

x-process self portrait. I know its dark, I like dark.

 

Critiques/comments thanks.

This is a great idea, and there's no problem with its low key tonality, but I can see two possible improvements. First, I think that the beer glass is too light and dominant, if you intend to present this image as a self portrait and not as a product ad. Second, the smoke is very effective, but again, since it obscures the bottom half of the face, it gives a mixed message about the picture's intent. I like the interesting tension in the picture created by the discrepant body language - while the hand with the cigarette appears relaxed, and in a classical pose, the other hand with the stretched-out fingers is tense and placed contrary to all rules of classic portraiture.

I do agree with some of what martin is saying. But I think the right hand grip comment is being a little picky.

 

The smoke effect is superb, but I wish it was more to the side for your face.. and not in your face.

 

The lighting is PERFECT.

In fact, could you be so kind as to tell me your camera settings, and photoshop effects you did? This truely is a great looking scene.

 

Also your camera model, if you don't mind!

 

bravo!

Those were great critiques/comments!!! Very well thought out. I did pose the hands contrary to each other because I really wanted this image to be somewhat disturbing/arresting. You are right about the beer, but I thought it brought in an interesting color element. As for more camera details well lets see if I remember........well I used a Nikon D100 for this and screwed around with the curves to get the "x-process" look. Lighting wise was a 5' softbox to viewers left and a garlic(hairlight) to the upper right casting highlights on the leather chair/my arm/face/and smoke. Chances are it was 200ISO 125 F14. I added the colored beer from one of my commercial shots, the glass was there but there was no beer in it. Thanks again for those great critiques.