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Self-portrait in Mirror

© Robin Tucker

Self-portrait in Mirror

Uploaded: October 23, 2001 11:58:45

Description

I'd never done this before. Kind of silly, but I really like how it turned out. Lit from the side by a window.

Comments

Guy D. Biechele level-classic October 23, 2001

I agree, it turned out really well. Good light, very interesting composition (especially the hand positions and shapes). The blurred lens is a nice touch. +Guy #1362

Olivier Monteyne October 26, 2001

So now I know how the person looks that discussed one of my uploads (feet of Roos). This picture really makes sense. Guy already mentioned the strength of the composition. I wonder how it would be in B/W.

Good luck. #2149

Leo Enriquez December 02, 2001

I have a very similar picture of myself doing the same thing!...Just be aware of one thing: In my country we say "In the way you grab the taco, I could notice if you are a Mexican or not"!...

When ever you grab and shoot the camera, grab it with passion...like a pro, even if you are not, that's what makes the difference between photographers!...

Feel the picture. Feel the moment!...Feel like if you are modeling too!...Transmit the expresion to the others!...
#3279

February 24, 2002

HI ROBIN,I LIKE THIS PIC,IT LOOKS LIKE YOU WERE VERY FOCOUSED HERE,WELL DONE.BY THE WAY,WHAT DO YA THINK OF MINE? #5711

Piper Lehman March 20, 2002

Great shot, Robin. Really like your composition. Nice camera-- ;^)
(I use the same one, I think.) #6155

Beverly Joanne Hoover March 27, 2002

Robin:
Definitely interesting shot. Love the
composition. Continue the great shots.
Beverly J. #6333

Jacob Stewart May 10, 2002

Robin-
It is a beatiful shot-so beatiful that I knew I had seen it before. It was made famous in 1955 by Andreas Feininger. Check out the link. http://www.emmedici.com/hobbies/fotografia/feininger/photo/various/varie03.jpg

Was this your inspiration? #7853

Robin Tucker May 10, 2002

No, Jacob, I had never heard of the Andreas Feininger shot. IT IS beautiful. Although I believe I have a very artistic eye, my shot was extremely spontaneous and the basic pose was for very practical reasons. I was wanting to get a photo of myself for my website, had half a roll that I needed to turn in that day, walked by my daughter's room and glanced at her dresser with the nice soft light coming in a window, braced down my right elbow on the dresser and tried to shoot as steady as possible. I find that my best images happen this way. Makes me wonder what would happen if I really applied myself!!

Thank you so much for commenting. Receiving these responses has definitely been an inspiration! #7856

June 12, 2002

What a great image. I like the fact that you kept your other eye open in the shot, it gives it more life and makes it more personal I think. Well done! #8675

June 20, 2002

yes this shot turned out very well, I must say. But I think the right eye should have bin closed, the shot would have bin more realistic. #8940

July 30, 2002

The composition is perfect! This shot viewed two weeks ago inspired me to try one of my own on a whim, when I was on vacation in downtown St Louis to view the arch. I noticed all the relections in the glass buildings, and really wanted the green roofed capitol building reflection. I shot several and then one of me and my wife. It was a clear shot with a gray tint. It was fun. Thanks for the idea.

Branson #10365

Damian P. Gadal May 26, 2019

It's a very nice shot... Don't think I could have pulled something like this off - not focused anyway! #18513

May 26, 2019

Is this taking a picture of taking a picture of yourself or taking a picture of yourself taking a picture?
-Jeff #49927

October 10, 2003

I think self portraits are difficult and sometimes, they just don't turn out right. I love how yours turned out. Great lighting. Beautifully done! #228467

John Estock November 26, 2003

Hi Robin,
Just saw your self-portrait done >2 years ago. Very nice. Could we see a re-do and update? My suggestion: use a much longer mirror and try it nude. Black and white would be nice. Thanks.
John Estock #281360

December 13, 2003

I love the side lighting and the composition is bang on. Great shot Robin.

Shawn #294257

March 20, 2004

Suggestion:

Reverse the image, probably in Photoshop, so "Nikon" on camera is right way. Then your portrait would also be real side forward. If you scan the negative or slide, that, of course can also be reversed in the scanner.

Nice shot, by the way.

--Alan #435549

Protacio Serna March 20, 2004

I have a similar image, Cross processed kodachrome, strobe and umbrella to camera left. I asked the lab to reverse the film while printing.

I like the light on your image, soft and charming, but somehow the way you are holding the camera is not appropriate. I think it was forced because of the set up (light, mirror, dominant eye, etc).

Nowadays you can easily reverse the image in order to read Nikon properly.

Nice work
#437529

March 21, 2004

Yes, Protacio S., I too noticed the problem of the "dominant eye".

Robin's consciousness is looking through the camera viewfinder, leaving her visible eye somewhat empty of what I call "conscious presence." Not the fault of Robin at all, as it happens to us all. That "spark of awareness" is why we like to see that white spot(s), the "specular highlight", in an animal photo. Knowledgeable painters also paint in at least one white spot, as well, on the eyeball.

A photographer or printer, trying to bring back a photo closer to what was originally perceived, might "manipulate" the photo, by “burning in” that part of the eye, to accentuate the specular hightlight.

Anyway, I was commenting in a way meant to be supportive of Robin (even though the photo was posted long ago, on 10/23/2001), and offering suggestions on how I think remedy-able things about the photo could be accomplished.

Adding "the spark of consciousness" to a photo is something much more difficult to achieve, even by someone who would be an expert with Light and shadow. ...and a perception of consciousness.

In any case, Protacio S., perhaps we have at least helped each other.

On a second subject, I did not find the way she was holding the camera to be distracting or unnatural. Or even noticeable. The composition was the grabber for me.

I don't know if this forum will list my website, since I have not purchased one here, but I will try to list. And, of course, would appreciate feedback, by email to the my Yahoo email account. Maybe I will eventually build a website here. But I am currently too busy with other things, to be able to fully market my 10,000 + images. If you choose to reply and post here, I have selected the option that alerts my email account of further activity in this discussion thread.

( http://www.geocities.com/alan_zach2 )

--Alan Zachwieja #439064

John Kratz March 23, 2004

Nothing silly about it, Robin. Beautiful photograph, beautiful subject. #441961

David L. Stevens May 29, 2004

Nice job Robin. #565740

Thomas Alan Smilie June 25, 2004

Nice Shot. Very Cool Looking. The lighting makes the shot. #615977

December 10, 2004

I've tried this shot myself Robin, however the subject not as photogenic. You emphasize simplicity, composition and good taste. A++ #965333

Bunny Snow October 01, 2006

I've always thought that a portrait should portray the subject, and if the subject is a photographer, then the subject should be portrayed as what you've accomplished.

Hope mine will come out as well done as yours. There's nothing like Rembrandt lighting (which was done near an unshaded window) to portray a subject.

Well done, Robin. #3396022

Bunny Snow October 01, 2006

Here's how mine turned out.
C:\CANON D20\SELF-PORTRAIT with CANON 20D\self portrait

If uploading this works for me.

I set my camera on a sturdy tripod. Used window light, just like Rembrandt would have done. Removed the viewfinder eye piece and covered the opening with the rectangular piece on my strap to prevent extraneous light from entering my camera. All was done after focusing manually and using automatic metering, and, I took a deep breath and fired away.

In PS-7, I changed the color to black & white by desaturating the image. #3396113


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