10/04/2026
Another self portrait to show this stunning and simple backdrop depicting a window with white drapes.
It's perfect for the 5 foot soft box seen in the overall shot to create soft light that appears like window light. In the two portraits you can see I increased the "fill-light" by two stops, but, I think I could have kicked it up a bit more. I like the deep shadow to try for something with feeling.
Doing self-portraits, "dialing-it-in" and trying different things takes a bit of time and focusing at times is difficult even shooting at f(8).
To focus for these self-portraits, with the camera on a tripod in manual focus - I focus on the light stand pictured in the overall shot, then trigger shutter on self-timer and run around into the scene, roll the stand away and strike a pose. Then I'll take about five or so frames without peeking, so I just have to press the shutter button from the front.
The focus should be correct each time at the mark, but, the idea in portraits is to make it come alive and make some connection. Often to make some energy or some connection I'll take a step forward in place or I'll engage the hands, but, regardless it's movement that can really create a connection, or make it more alive- even seated portraits, so many of my frames, my eyes are slightly out of focus.
Anyway, of course, when I'm photographing other people I can just focus as normal looking through the lens. Also, looking through I'm able to respond to subtle things in expressions and in lighting obviously.
Also, doing regular portraits (not self portraits) with the camera on a tripod and using a cable shutter release, I try to be sure to take my eye from the viewfinder and make some frames looking directly at people and talking with them to keep the connection. It's subtle but real in portraits so I might miss a frame or two with softer focus in the eyes, but it's the connection that counts.
That's the magic I think between the photographer, the subject and the eyes of time..
A conversation between time - between the viewer and the one being photographed. It's like speaking to the future and if we look at pictures it's like hearing the past. "Hearing" it when the photograph makes a connection then when it expresses something more, those are special photographs.
A fascinating part of portraits for me is watching people open up to the camera and to the room and the photographer. It's an experience each time. Some open quickly and easily and others are more guarded. People seeking portraits are equally represented among those, surprisingly. The same can be said for myself. There are times when I'm open and creative and have courage to try stuff and confidence to carry a photoshoot. Other times, it's not happening for me, but, now with decade of experience to fall back on I find my way out of those times and also have many resources to call upon to make things happen.
Just fyi, I guarantee satisfaction. I'll reshoot or refund any time for any reason and happily.
I just love making photographs!
Thanks for checking it out! 🤓
Jamie
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