Self portrait; learning to use light.

I'm working with a single light source (vivitar flash with

shoot-through umbrella), triggered by on-camera flash. (Not sure if

there is any other way to trigger flash on the Nikon D70.) This was

my first time successfully getting eyes to show up properly, and I'm

beginning to grasp how to use directional soft light for shaping.

 

Keeping in mind that I don't have a second or third light source, is

there anything else I could do better with this shot?

It's a good clean shot, good for first time. To add drama, try adjusting the flash up a little higher to add shadow - or even adjusting flash output.

I agree with previous comment: it needs more shadow. Another consideration is that the subject has widely spaced eyes with the slightest hint of wall-eyed appearance. She will look much better with something other than face straight on pose. A great resource to you would be Don Marr's Beginner's Guide to Photographic Lighting ISBN 1-58428-133-2

Also ... be careful of the spit that is showing between her lips. This is very good for a beginning.

I reshot myself tonight (doesn't that sound funny!) using the suggestions from this critique. If this comment section lets me upload a pic I'll show it here, otherwise it'll just be in my normal portfolio. I'm thrilled with the results; I think it really improved the drama of the photo. Thank you all so much!