Self Portrait 1

[pburness]

Originally Posted by tercalew

Extending the background in front of my face would put the window in the frame...I don't want that. I do appreciate the comments and suggestions. Thanks so much.

No, you can extend the background without putting the window back in the frame. Crop the image as is - then use canvas size to stretch the canvas by a few inches on the left (use a forground colour of black) and this will give you an extra width of black.

Like this...


I'll delete the image out of my gallery after a few days.
Phil

[pburness]

Originally Posted by ABERS

Obviously you are pleased with the result, and quite rightly so. Portraiture is a difficult genre, and self portraiture more so.

We can all make comments as to what we would have or wouldn't have done, and they are our take on the picture that you have presented to us. Whether those comments would improve the picture is also open to comment themselves, and it's your decision whether to implement them.
Personally I would leave well alone, it's a good self portrait.

I agree with ABERS - ultimately it is the photographers choice as the owner of the image. Posting an image in the critique section is however asking for comments, whether you use them or not is the photographers choice. As it stands, it is a fine photo, exploring suggestions may or may not open up different avenues of perspective for future shots though.

Phil

[MattUK]

My comments regarding highlights on the side of the face were only regarding a few minor distractions:

[tercalew]

That is obviously a Photoshop tool, which I don't have yet. The cost that Ive seen for the software is prohibitive for me for a while, so I will have to rely on in-camera composition and simple cropping for a while. Thanks for the input, your version looks great.
Also, I do ask for comments, criticisms and suggestions, and appreciate all. They are all part of education, right?

[tercalew]

I know what you mean, but since my wife won't let me hang up a print, I'll let the fix slide for now. She thinks it's a terrible likeness.

[pburness]

Originally Posted by tercalew

That is obviously a Photoshop tool, which I don't have yet. The cost that Ive seen for the software is prohibitive for me for a while, so I will have to rely on in-camera composition and simple cropping for a while. Thanks for the input, your version looks great.
Also, I do ask for comments, criticisms and suggestions, and appreciate all. They are all part of education, right?

You are right about the cost - it is prohibitive for most, particularly if you need to invest a lot of time learning to use it. Adobe do also do Elements, which carry many of the same features of photoshop and a few places have it on offer in the advert pages for about £50.
There are other less expensive packages too, and most have a trial period for evaluation purposes.

Phil

[Nigel Powles]

I really like the lighting though I agree with Matt with regards the highlights, Phils crop works well and a combination of the two would really be great.
I sympathise with you regarding your wifes feelings about the photo. I have taken a few unflattering self portraits and although I am comfortable with my image and can identify with how I am feeling she doesnt like it because it doesnt portray me how she wants to see me if that makes sense.
Whatever you do with the photo you have portrayed yourself well and I am glad you are pleased with it.