I don't have any lights or reflectors (the proper kind) or a remote or a tripod or a good looking model.... I wanted to do a redux of the Afghani girl I entered in duotones (though she's far prettier!) but the guy I had helping me didn't quite hit the focus right, and the light wasn't all that great anyway.
So I see that the light coming in the window where I was sitting at work today (I sit at empty desks when I can find them!) was kinda nice. It's not really direct - it's reflected off the building across from it. I can never get focus right for a self-portrait any other way than by using the camera's autofocus, so I set the camera on a metal bar halfway up the window, set it on timer, then used one hand to depress the shutter to focus then set off the timer. So this is as far away from the camera as I could get - darn short arms!
Processing doesn't involve as much healing brush as it should, nor nearly enough blur. It does involve converting to a gray quadtone, then to my favorite tritone. Mostly I just played in Photoshop alot until I got tired of looking at me.
As for the title - multiple meanings. The obvious is the source of light, which can be seen in the eyes, which are the windows to the soul. The less obvious is the fact my stay here has allowed me to see other cultures and other places through windows that are sometimes barred, but windows nonetheless.
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I think this shot is wonderful. I love the fact that you can see the windows in the eyes, but the eyes are so warm and inviting. You feel real emotion from these eyes, which is so very hard to do. I think everybody would like to have this woman as their friend. She looks amazing.
A perfectly composed portrait! The lucidity of the eyes really draws me in, and the "duo tone" effect works wonderfully here, though I would love to see a color shot too. Lighting and contrasts are great, focus is spot-on, and there's not much to complain about here, other than that it is simply a portrait, with a fine expressive subject. I think it could be a tad darker. An 8, easy.
This is very good Melethia. I can't wait for the next self portrait challenge, it may just inspire me enough to finally get a good one, been trying for years...
Darn, I wish I could be this good at portraits, beyond the fact that it is a self portrait, not sure how you all manage gorgeous photos. I need a viewfinder myself. :) Congrats on the wonderful placement. The light in the eyes is simply put, perfect.
Oh, I KNEW this would kick butt! Way to go, Deb! I can't believe this turned out so freaking professional after reading how you accomplished this! Man. . .you absoLUTELY ROCK!!!!!
Yep Deb, I got it right, I was pretty sure this was you. This is absolutely stunning, especially considering you were up against all those people with uber-expensive lighting kits, softboxes, etc. etc. I'm in awe of your talent, and what you accomplish with nothing but your camera. Not even a tripod! Incredible.
Oh my goodness Deb, much to my chagrin I did not recognise you!
I thought this was a lovely portrait, beautifully composed and I am quite pleased with myself that I got two of the meanings of the title without having to read your notes
I love the fact that this is a gentle photo in terms of contrast (which matches the gentlesness that can be seen in your eyes) without going over the top in terms of softness. A lovely portrait of the real you
I really like this picture. The glare on your eyes from the window really adds that unique feel of being photographed. Being an older woman is a bit harder to photograph but with the right editing age makes for a beautiful image. The yellow is a bit much but that could be my own monitor. I think that you should try playing around with the dodge tool some on the wrinkles to really bring them out, but the tone looks really good on the skin. Meaning it's not bright (blown out) or not to dark.
Hi Deb! (just wanted to say that since so many others already have). I love the lighting on your face. It also adds such a wonderful sparkle to your eyes.
8 - Very nice portrait. Not fond of the material, but your choice (obviously) and you know best what suits you. Really like the positioning you captured of the window reflection in the eyes.
Great ! I like "true" portraits , our wrinkles are part of our personality.
Your eyes are full of life , full of many stories of pain , joy and serenity.
my vote : 10
I'm abstaining from voting for this, but I will say that this is a beautiful beautiful portrait! Having the windows in your eyes is so John Donne. He's my favorite!
He, he, the eyes are the windows to the soul, but these eyes, they are hiding behind real windows, like, "I don't really want you to know who I am".
Came back. This image is haunting. Deb, right? Without meaning any offense whatsoever, I wish there were more texture to the face; the skin, with the wrinkles and imperfections, is beautiful, and I would like to see it up front, no softening whatsoever, just the natural beauty that it is. The soft, shiny, dark scarf is the perfect contrast to the skin. I wish there was just a smidgeon more room at left (so that the end of the eye area were not cut off and the face shape would have a slightly more upward swing), and I wish the background were not as dull (some sort of texture or something out of focus there). ~9
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