Ch 47 - Attempt 1 - 4

[dkoyanagi]

So far this has been the most difficult challenge for me to shoot because: 1) I'm not good at shooting people; 2) I don't think I'm particularly photogenic. Of the scores of photos I took these are the only ones where I don't have that "deer caught in the headlights" look. After seeing all the creative entries mine seem really boring. Oh well, here goes... Comments and critiques welcome.

Self Portrait #1
http://dkoyanagi.smugmug.com/photos/36473110-M.jpg

Self Portrait #2
http://dkoyanagi.smugmug.com/photos/36472897-L.jpg

Self Portrait #3
http://dkoyanagi.smugmug.com/photos/35983166-L.jpg

And an accidental self portrait.

"Is This Thing On?"
http://dkoyanagi.smugmug.com/photos/36449839-M.jpg

[lynnma]

So far this has been the most difficult challenge for me to shoot because: 1) I'm not good at shooting people; 2) I don't think I'm particularly photogenic. Of the scores of photos I took these are the only ones where I don't have that "deer caught in the headlights" look. After seeing all the creative entries mine seem really boring. Oh well, here goes... Comments and critiques welcome.

Self Portrait #1


Self Portrait #2


Self Portrait #3


And an accidental self portrait.

"Is This Thing On?"

I think this one is really cool!
http://dkoyanagi.smugmug.com/photos/36473110-L.jpg

maybe you could curve it a little and bring out the eyes a little more.. I think the lighting is great.. go for it :thumb

[dkoyanagi]

Thanks Lynn, I'll try that.

[DavidTO]

Definitely #1, for me, too.

[Sandy]

#1 is best. I like to use the gradient map adjustment with black and white. Sometimes it helps the contrast.

[erich6]

Dan,

#1 is pretty good! I can't really say what will win this one over but my guess it'll either be creativity, mood, or elegance. There are some very creative shots there and I think they'll probably end up taking the win but...it would be nice to see a classic/elegant portrait in the competition. Maybe it's just me but there's something really engaging about a portrait like that. I think your first shot starts to go down this route. Great entry!

Erich

[DavidTO]

I think #1 needs a touch of sharpening--on the original, and then run this (gormanphotography.com/bw_conversion.pdf)b/w conversion on it. It's a great image, and the conversion in that PDF is really great, too. I think together, you'll have a winner.

Edit: I guess you can't link directly to the pdf. Got to gormanphotography.com, click on learn and you'll see it there.

[dkoyanagi]

#1 is best. I like to use the gradient map adjustment with black and white. Sometimes it helps the contrast.
Thanks Sandy!

[dkoyanagi]

I think #1 needs a touch of sharpening--on the original, and then run this (http://gormanphotography.com/bw_conversion.pdf)b/w conversion on it. It's a great image, and the conversion in that PDF is really great, too. I think together, you'll have a winner.

Edit: I guess you can't link directly to the pdf. Got to gormanphotography.com, click on learn and you'll see it there. Thanks for the info David. What an amazing site! I'll try Gorman's method for bw conversion.

[dkoyanagi]

Dan,

#1 is pretty good! I can't really say what will win this one over but my guess it'll either be creativity, mood, or elegance. There are some very creative shots there and I think they'll probably end up taking the win but...it would be nice to see a classic/elegant portrait in the competition. Maybe it's just me but there's something really engaging about a portrait like that. I think your first shot starts to go down this route. Great entry!

Erich Thanks for feedback Erich. I agree, there are some really creative entries in this challenge. This one is going to be tough.

[auraflora]

Hi there...


Let's first start by saying that, you are photogenic. Ok? Now, with that out of the way--I like photo number 2. I like the minimalism of the frame and your positioning within it. I like the color tone as well--lends a certain level of melanocholy--both the color and your expression.

Good luck with the challenge.

Michal

[Dee]

It says more about who you are! I agree with the comments of trying to bring out your eyes more.

[DavidTO]

It says more about who you are!

Yeah, like he has 2 tripods!

[dkoyanagi]

Yeah, like he has 2 tripods! Yup. I only use the Manfrotto as a prop. :rofl

[dkoyanagi]

Thanks Michal, I appreciate your feedback.

[Flyinggina]

I love #1. :clap :clap It is elegant and would be a really good portrait of anyone. Nice that it is of you. :): If you can improve it technically along the lines suggested (bring out the eyes a bit more etc.), fine. But IMHO it is a worthy entry. :thumb

Good luck with whatever you decide to enter.

Va.

BTW, I got a kick out of your accidental portrait. :rofl

[DavidTO]

So you entered #1. Nice choice. What did you end up doing in PS?

[dkoyanagi]

I love #1. :clap :clap It is elegant and would be a really good portrait of anyone. Nice that it is of you. :): If you can improve it technically along the lines suggested (bring out the eyes a bit more etc.), fine. But IMHO it is a worthy entry. :thumb

Good luck with whatever you decide to enter.

Va.

BTW, I got a kick out of your accidental portrait. :rofl
Thanks Va. I've decide to re-edit and enter #1.

BTW, I really like your entry. :thumb:thumb

[dkoyanagi]

So you entered #1. Nice choice. What did you end up doing in PS? Hi David
I decided to use Gorman's BW conversion. Thanks again for the link! Then I applied some selective levels adjustment around the face and sharpening around the eyes.

[DavidTO]

Hi David
I decided to use Gorman's BW conversion. Thanks again for the link! Then I applied some selective levels adjustment around the face and sharpening around the eyes.

It came out nice. I like how the wall got a bit darker, knocking it back in the image a bit.

[Osprey Whisperer]

Yeah....nice entry pic. Well done. If you are only using that manfroto as a prop....how 'bout sending it my way? :dunno :D I'll spring for shipping. :uhoh

Good luck

BMP