God only knows why I'm entering this???!!!! I'm certainly no model and I HATE photos of myself, let alone putting one up for everyone to critique! I think I'm more nervous about this than standing on a stage to give a speech! Let the 1's, 2's and 3's begin! LOL
[Jun. 3rd, 2010 08:29:09 PM]
I appreciate the idea that "fine details" weren't as prominent as the straw on the brim of the hat. However, those "fine details" ie: pores, extremely fine lines, etc. are generally not wanted in portraiture. :) I'd much rather see the "fine lines" in the brim of the hat! As for details in the eye...I have fairly dark eyes to begin with. My face tones were not near blow out. I am really fair skinned. That, coupled with the fact that it was self-portaiture which makes focusing a real chore and a half LOL. I appreciate the comment very much but, this is the way that I was most happy with it.
[Jun. 5th, 2010 12:25:07 PM]
My "portrait doesn't work"? Hmmmm...I DO appreciate the technical lighting suggestions as that is most helpful. However, this portrait shot was taken outdoors, with shaded light of an overhead, semi-transparent canopy. The light source was not "straight on". The sun was actually to the side and above, filtered through the shelter above. Reflected light off a water source is what is seen reflected in my one eye. I'm not sure that everyone wants to see a lot of contrast in people's faces in a portrait. There are some absolutely STUNNING professionally photographed portraits, hanging in art museums/photography galleries where there is very little contrast in the subjects faces. I think it's a matter of personal tastes as to contrast or not. Flattery of subject is uppermost in portraiture, whether it is in photography or paintings. Not many (unless wanting a specific story to be told) want a "harsher" look with heavy contrasting or fine line and pore details. But, this is coming from a female who appreciates "softness" in a portrait. I'd have gone with a much softer focus if I could have but, DPC voters love contrast and detail to the point where it's actually enhanced greatly and even exaggerated. It will be interesting to see what other comments have been made on other portraits in this challenge now.
[Jun. 7th, 2010 09:42:39 PM]
And, there are portraits in which one of the eyes are hidden in shadow. The greats in art and photography do portraiture in which one of the eyes are hidden :) *SIGH* This challenge seems to be fraught with different opinions as to what constitutes a portrait. I think that is where some LOW scoring is coming into play throughout this challenge. Interesting to say the least, which photo will win this challenge.
Sorry, I can't help but comment back during this challenge LOL. Not only was it a frustrating one to capture, especially since I am NOT my fave subject by far (actually...my LEAST fave subject and model!) but, also because of the very WIDE view of what a portrait should be and what works and what doesn't work in them.
Next portrait shot I do of myself...I'll be BALD! LOL
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Oh you are so brave to enter an SP! Cute smile, minimal wrinkles, sly look... you got it going on :D
LOL...I think the word that more closely fits is "stupid"...not "brave" LOL! I withdrew this thing about 20 times before finally getting fed up and leaving it out of being tired. I was tempted to Photoshop the crap out of this! LOL
Your portrait doesn't work because you haven't paid enough attention to the light -- it's straight on, as indicated by the overall flatness of the light and lack of contrast in your face, and the position of the catchlight in your visible eye. Although such light sometimes works, it's tricky professionals' work. You'd have been best served by a standard portrait setup with lights at either of the two 45 degree angles to your face and appropriately powered, or, if you have no such setup, by soft natural light coming through a window and highlighting one side of your face, with the other helped by a reflector. The background is much too dark, and your top blends into it in an uninteresting way. 5
The focus seems to be a bit froward, I see lots of detail in the brim of the hat, but much less in the eye, where I want all the detail I can get. Secondly the highlights seem close to blown on much of the face, the fine detail has been lost. On the plus side I like your leading lines, the gentle swoop of the hat and the hair move the eye around.
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