Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Selfies

It wasn't that I was in a terribly narcissistic mood, but I decided to experiment with some self portraits.

While I do have a flash of sorts, I don't really have either the place or equipment to employ artificial lighting, so I experimented with natural light from a patio window. Even after closing the slats the fall-off from the bright side to the dark was too great, so I had to adjust that a little in post processing.

It took some experimenting to get the composition centered properly, and even then, I found had to do some cropping in post. I discovered that I am neither a good subject nor a good portrait photographer. This didn't exactly surprise me.

I should have combed my beard after pulling several sweaters over my head, but I didn't.

In these first few, I practised my dazzling smile. lol



Then I adopted my normal look, which turns out to be a bit scowly even though I don't intend it to be. This is the way that it comes out when I am actually feeling neutral. It's an affliction of sorts as people sometimes think I am feeling grumpy when I am not.


I left the shadow more prominent in the next one for effect.


I also experimented with some props. Here I feign reading the story about The Huron Carol,  a Christmas carol that an early catholic priest composed for the Huron tribe.


I just grabbed hold of a cushion for this shot. I forgot to hide my remote shutter release. Silly me.


I am sure this is more of AC than you ever wanted to see, I'll move along quietly now.

14 comments:

Regenia said...

What a FUN post! I guessI would have to say that my favorite is of you "reading"! Great way to start my day. Thank you!

RVVagabond said...

I'm still working on how to do cell phone selfies that don't have me looking up, squinting or half out of the photo. Of course it helps that I now have a phone that you can shoot a photo with the screen facing you so you can see yourself instead of having to turn the phone backwards and then try to find the shutter button and guess at the angle. Too much like work.

I too look rather grumpy in repose thanks to those annoying crevices termed wrinkles. Which is why I avoid taking photos of myself now.

Jimmie Earl said...

Great pics. My kids say my natural look is a bit scowly too! Maybe it's the beards!
I like it when we as bloggers can get some insight about our blogmates. A hint of who they really are. Thank you!
By the way, I want the plaid sweater!!

Beth said...

I have been trying to do a self portrait with my iPad with no luck. You did a good job with your pics.

TexWisGirl said...

you have a kind face when you smile. yes, you tend to look a bit scowly but perhaps seriously pondering is a better description. :)

Jackie said...

Love them all...and love the fact that you are experimenting taking selfies. Good on ya.
Merry Christmas to you, my friend....
Jackie

Hilary said...

These are fun selfies. My favourite is the monotone.

Anonymous said...

AC doesn't often take selfies but when he does, he does it stylishly, thoroughly and, occasionally, shadowy:-)

Lorna said...

I really like the Huron Carol one; I have "that" look when I'm at rest---I think my family used to call it my Irish smile.

Gail Dixon said...

Well, hello, John! Nice to meet you. :) I think these are great. Nice smile in the first one and reading the Christmas carol in the fifth one. I am not brave enough to do full-on selfies. Bravo!

troutbirder said...

Really not so bad though I noticed we have the same hairline. My best look usually comes when I remember to be wearing a baseball hat...:)

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Ah the selfies and we too have had fun with them, but your post reminded me that few have been posted on our blog, John. I greatly enjoyed your different facial expressions and the collection of sweaters and tops was a great touch to the "same old." The plaid sweater was also my fave"

Donna said...

I'm loving the Dazzling smile ones! You DO dazzle...the grumpy ones were a bit scary!Hahahaaa.....
Loved 'em all Ac...Like that plaid sweater too!
hughugs

MARY G said...

I bet your students really paid attention under that stern gaze. I like the Huron Carol shot, although there should be a kid tucked under each arm as you read.