I always knew there were a few reasons I dragged my feet when it came to making self portraits. One, I hate tripods (most of the time). Bulky, awkward, slow . . . no thanks. Getting the focus right is also really really difficult - I don't know how people do it. I really don't. I think it probably took me about 20 minutes of trial and error to get shots that even started to be in focus.
In addition, since it's just you and the tripod, it's very hard to create a photo that feels like it has a connection. Most of the time I just looked blank, or bored. Not to mention the fact that like most people I am squeamish about looking at pictures of myself - do I really look like that???? was often my reaction.
I considered scrapping the resolution, but I decided that was the easy way out, and nobody likes a quitter. So I picked the one I liked the best, and then I edited it a bit (which is kind of odd when it's your own face, but it's also oddly satisfying. I like to imagine that the changes I make are all echoed in real life).
Okay, January self portrait done! Only 11 more months to go.
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4 comments:
but this one is so beautiful! look at those eyes!
when i do self-portraits... i usually try and think of someone i have a crush on, or my best friend. otherwise i totally agree with the- ~very challenging to get an honest expression~ situation. 11 more? hopefully you'll learn a lot from this experience and will want to continue :)
It's gorgeous. And, perversely, I'm glad to hear it took you 20 minutes to start to get focus right. Because I had assumed everyone else already had the secret to that down and just weren't sharing it with me.
Beautiful shot Jess! You look great....is this with natural light?
ah, that's my girl. what light/reflector setup did you use? the light is so even, no nasty shadows at all! you look so fine!
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