Jacked in

[Trevlan]

When I started my daily photos, I took this self portrait. Let me have it!

***EDIT***

I was able to make the adjustments and repost the picture. The new version is up...

(EXIF embedded)

http://trevlan.smugmug.com/photos/447821770_RGdK5-L.jpg (http://trevlan.smugmug.com/photos/newexif.mg?ImageID=447821770&ImageKey=RGdK5)

[JAG]

Hi Trevlan,

I like the concept of this and the lighting would be great, but it seems that the white highlights are a tad on the hot side. There also is a sense of the head not being conected because the body is to OOF. It also would have been a stronger composition if you were looking at the screen of the computer. That way you could pick up some highlights in your eyes and made your eyes look more open.

[DavidTO]

Nice use of the monitor as a light source. I think you've got it right technically, the bright highlights don't bother me, seems like a choice on your part, and I think they're fine.

Two things bug me. First is the large areas of black could work in your favor, but aren't, and I'm not sure why. I guess I just don't quite care for it in this shot? Dunno. Sorry I can't be more help on that point. Maybe it's the stray lights and LEDs that don't really add to it.

But the biggest thing that gets in the way for me with this image is: I can't help but wonder what you're doing naked in front of the computer. And right there you've lost me. :dunno I expect the title to end with "off", if you get my meaning.

[Trevlan]

Thanks Jag and David for your comments.

@ Jag and David

Composition: When I first was staging this shot, I was going to look at the screen but when I shot it, I didn't get the sense of the idea behind my title. The point of this shot was to display how engrossed we/I are/am with technology. I'm already on the computer, my phone is ringing/text messaging/whatever. It's late in the night, I'm ready for bed but i just can't put my technology away.

@ David

I'm not technically naked. LoL. I first planed the shot with a T-shirt, I've taken some borderline shots and people are sick of seeing my fat body, but this is a self portrait. Self being the key word, and I don't sleep with shirts on. Sorry if my man boobs distract you. ;-)


About the DOF and Lighting:

This was a 3 second exposure. It was very dark. I wanted to get as low noise as possible, but yet remain sharp. I stayed at ISO 200 but I opened up to F2.8 on my 50mm. Being that it was such a close distance, I believe my DOF was somewhere near 6 inches. I had to adjust the monitor brightness as well. I think 3 seconds is the max I can stay still without moving. I didn't want to introduce a strobe into the mix because I'm not that good yet with controlling the light.


I like the idea of getting rid of the stray lights. I once read a thread that said part of telling the story, is not telling it. I wanted to leave those little clues that show the device is a laptop. And the network activity lights would also convey the thought of me being 'Jacked in'. But in the end, I agree that they are distracting.

Can I make those adjustments and then repost the picture with the lights removed to see if it has anymore impact? Or is this photo not worth the makeover?

You can tell it to me how it is, I'm already passed the sensitive noob part of my dgrin life. lol. You guys are making me better. :thumb :bow :clap :lust

[shutterbunny]

Thanks Jag and David for your comments.

@ Jag and David

Composition: When I first was staging this shot, I was going to look at the screen but when I shot it, I didn't get the sense of the idea behind my title. The point of this shot was to display how engrossed we/I are/am with technology. I'm already on the computer, my phone is ringing/text messaging/whatever. It's late in the night, I'm ready for bed but i just can't put my technology away.

@ David

I'm not technically naked. LoL. I first planed the shot with a T-shirt, I've taken some borderline shots and people are sick of seeing my fat body, but this is a self portrait. Self being the key word, and I don't sleep with shirts on. Sorry if my man boobs distract you. ;-)


Hey since you mentioned the man boobs, if I may throw my $.02 in although I am a newbie...
I think its a good portrait overall. The one thing that did distract me was the circle near the vicinity of where your nipple would be. At times it looks like a nipple and at time it looks more like a circular appendage of one of your technical gadget...

[JAG]

Hey Trevlan...reshoots are always good. Thats how we learn and grow. I was wondering what it would look like with a small flashlight off the the side in the forground ...just enough to light up the cover of the laptop would look like? Just a suggestion and curiosity on my part in making it better.
I did understand your composition on this about being tied to our tecknowlegy. For the most part if I dont have to go out on a shoot...I do most of my processing work in pj's!

[Trevlan]

@ Shutterbunny

Now that you mention it, it could be some kind of pace maker.:rofl Thanks for your comment!

@ Jag

I have something better than a flash light, I made a snoot! Wewt! Now I have a reason to play with it. I think I have a good idea for a reshoot. I'll have it done tomorrow and posted.

Thanks for everything.

[Trevlan]

@ Shutterbunny

Now that you mention it, it could be some kind of pace maker.:rofl Thanks for your comment!

@ Jag

I have something better than a flash light, I made a snoot! Wewt! Now I have a reason to play with it. I think I have a good idea for a reshoot. I'll have it done tomorrow and posted.

Thanks for everything.

The reshoot is still on the schedule. It's been a crazy year so far.