I enjoy taking self-portraits. Actually, I usually have some help with these from Fred, my faithful shutter pusher. I fell in love with the lighting and atmosphere in La Mezcalaria, a restaurant in San Miguel with a Oaxacan theme, and thought it would be an interesting place to take pictures. I always make sure the camera settings are the way I want them while I use Fred as a “body double.” Then I turn it over to him, and have him keep shooting until I see one I like, which usually takes dozens of shots to get that right one. But, the real fun for me, in any photo, is PhotoShop. Self-portraits are a way that I explore my state of mind.
The Photo 101 assignment today was a photo with dark shadows and mystery. I immediately thought that this one would be the one to use.
Wonderful lighting – great personal shot.
Interesting lighting and shadow. I like the candle light & its reflection adding something extra.
Thanks so much for the comments. The lighting in that room was so wonderful
You look beautifully mysterious in this photo. Lucky you to have such a patient body double. Have a nice weekend.
Manuela
Thanks, Manuela. I am very thankful to have Fred in my life.
You’ve nailed the theme, can you share a simple trick on how you capture such self portrait like this.
The lighting that was already in the room did it for me. I set my camera on a really high (6400) iso. No flash. I kept moving around until I got the light to hit my face in a way I liked. Plus, I like having my picture taken. Some people do and some people don’t.
so the ISO settings, I’m new to taking pictures, what’s the difference between high iso 100 and high iso as you used? of course I already did some readings in it but I’m still a bit confused…
I am no technical expert, but the ISO is usually set so that camera responds best to available night. In bright sunlight, you would probably use an ISO of 200. In a dark place, or at night 6400
Ink Blot—I went to see your site and it wasn’t there…..what happened? The header photo is very interesting.
what Isn’t there? I mean what do you mean by “it”?
I meant that when I clicked the link your blog did not appear.
Your header photo is stunning! lily
Thank you very much. It was one of those lucky moments where everything worked and Fred pushed the shutter.