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Thread: Self portrait

  1. #1
    Dave A's Avatar
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    Self portrait

    I don't think I've ever done a self portrait. Camera on tripod and set to 20 second timer. Weather was........well lousy.

    Dave




    Self portrait

  2. #2

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    Re: Self portrait

    I completely disagree that the weather was lousy; just the opposite, I really like the sky and that you seem to be looking toward its ominous area. Nice conversion also. Perhaps a bit overly sharpened at least at this size, perhaps not in your full-size file.

  3. #3
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    Re: Self portrait

    Nice shot.

  4. #4
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    Re: Self portrait

    Nice...

    I need to do a selfie now that I have lost almost 35 pounds... I will no longer need an UWA lens for the self portrait

  5. #5

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    Re: Self portrait

    Dave, Mike is right the weather is just right. So is the photo.
    Cheers Ole

  6. #6

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    Re: Self portrait

    Dave,
    I think the weather conditions were perfect for this photo: a lovely shadowless overcast day, with an interesting sky.
    As it stands, I think the photo could be improved by cropping vertically to our left of the subject, to eliminate the second bench and everything to its left which I feel adds nothing to the composition. Additionally this would make the subject larger in the frame so we can see more detail.
    I always feel that a portrait should reveal something about the subject and unless this one is supposed to indicate that you spend a lot of time starring out into space on deserted beaches, I don't think it reveals anything about you, and so doesn't work for me.
    Robert

  7. #7
    Dave A's Avatar
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    Re: Self portrait

    Quote Originally Posted by RBSinTo View Post
    Dave,
    I think the weather conditions were perfect for this photo: a lovely shadowless overcast day, with an interesting sky.
    As it stands, I think the photo could be improved by cropping vertically to our left of the subject, to eliminate the second bench and everything to its left which I feel adds nothing to the composition. Additionally this would make the subject larger in the frame so we can see more detail.
    I always feel that a portrait should reveal something about the subject and unless this one is supposed to indicate that you spend a lot of time starring out into space on deserted beaches, I don't think it reveals anything about you, and so doesn't work for me.
    Robert

    Thank you Robert for your suggestions. Always good to hear other views and in this case you make very good points which I wanted to try right away. I also reduced the sharpening as Mike had suggested.

    Dave



    Self portrait
    Last edited by Dave A; 8th August 2017 at 04:25 PM.

  8. #8
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    Re: Self portrait

    Quote Originally Posted by RBSinTo View Post
    Dave,
    an interesting sky... I think the photo could be improved by cropping vertically to our left of the subject, to eliminate the second bench and everything to its left
    Cropping out the left hand bench was one of my first thoughts Robert but the more I looked the less that appealed, as it destroys the beautiful arc of cloud that frames Dave and his bench.

  9. #9

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    Re: Self portrait

    Cropped version for me but I think the sharpness was OK in the original. I agree with the thought that the conditions were not a problem. So much more interesting than plain blue featureless skies.

  10. #10

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    Re: Self portrait

    Quote Originally Posted by billtils View Post
    Cropping out the left hand bench was one of my first thoughts Robert but the more I looked the less that appealed, as it destroys the beautiful arc of cloud that frames Dave and his bench.
    +1

    Maybe just those dark trees on the left which draw my eye slightly. Or reduce their contrast while retaining that arc as-is . .

  11. #11

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    Re: Self portrait

    I would simply crop on the left to eliminate the picnic table on that side. I would probably use an 8 x 10 aspect ratio while being sure not to crop anything on the top for the reasons relating to the cloud pattern already given.

    Though I realize the image includes Dave in the scene and that he titled the thread a self portrait, the composition is not a self portrait for me; similarly, if anyone other than Dave had been in the scene, I wouldn't have called it a portrait and wonder if he would have. That's because the person is such a small portion of the scene that nothing is revealed in significant detail about character, personality or state of mind.
    Last edited by Mike Buckley; 8th August 2017 at 06:36 PM.

  12. #12
    Dave A's Avatar
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    Re: Self portrait

    In LR is there a way to set the crop to a 8x10?

    Dave

  13. #13
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    Re: Self portrait

    Quote Originally Posted by Dave A View Post
    In LR is there a way to set the crop to a 8x10?

    Dave
    Yes "4 x 5" from memory (assuming you know how to select a crop ratio, but just couldn't find 8 x 10)

  14. #14
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    Re: Self portrait

    Hi Dave just use the Crop Overlay Tool ( shortcut = R) and then choose 4x5/8x10 and crop away.

    Here's a screenshot

    Self portrait

  15. #15
    Dave A's Avatar
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    Re: Self portrait

    8x10 crop version. Thank you John for the instructions. Maintains the dark clouds.

    Dave



    Self portrait

  16. #16

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    Re: Self portrait

    That one works best for me and is very appealing.

  17. #17
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    Re: Self portrait

    Yep, this is good - keeps the framing from the clouds and eliminates the foreground distractions.

  18. #18
    Dave A's Avatar
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    Re: Self portrait

    Thanks guys for the help and opinions. This forum is great for getting helpful direction from members I know have an eye for photography and are always willing to help.

    Dave

  19. #19

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    Re: Self portrait

    Yep, this is good.
    Cheers Ole

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