self-portrait

The theme for this week is "How others view me." I have been thinking of doing a self-portrait with kind of a downward focus since most people are taller than me.  I knew it would be a challenge and in wanting to grow.. I was ready to tackle it.  But it is really, really hard.  I never like pictures of myself so I knew that would be a huge barrier.  On the technical side- it is hard to find a focal point and jump into it..if that makes sense.  I don't have studio lighting but was picturing a hard shadow/light line across the face in black and white- kind of a grunge, edgy look with negative space accentuated through triangular arm shapes leading to the face.  High hopes.  I thought if I could control the light and just use a single lamp with a daylight bulb I could get what i want.  I tried the bathroom with no windows but light was bouncing everywhere-- white shower curtain, mirror, light walls. Duh.  Then tried the hallway hoping the light would fall off behind me but that didn't work..then natural light in my bedroom.  So many focus issues, had the kids come stand in for me so I could focus and then kick them out of the way- but they aren't my exact height so it didn't always work well. I read up on Rembrandt Lighting and Short Lighting and looked over some diagrams.. no way.  Not even close.  Most frustrating was trying to use my flash unit that I got for Christmas.  I thought I could use that as my single light source bounced off the wall near the face.. it was so horrible and I still don't have the foggiest idea how to use it even though I have read the manual.

This was a bad project to try to do on a day when I am already low on patience and confidence! I finally stopped shooting and have yet to pull things up on my computer to edit.  I hope I find something to work with and can give it a twist that I like.  Phew.  Good thing I am on break today, though.  I have not spent time on my chore list at all!