Selfie. Ish.

[rhythmaning]

For everything that has been written about selfies in the last few months, one could be fooled into thinking that using oneself as a model is a new phenomenon. Of course, it isn't: artists have been creating self portraits for centuries - perhaps, as I recall reading somewhere - because the artist is the one model always available, for free.

I haven't taken formal portraits - of my self or anyone else - for a long time, but last week I needed to attach a photograph to a form; ages ago, a friend said that they thought my online avatar looked like someone wanted by the police.

So I set out to take a new self portrait, setting up the tripod and positioning myself against a plain coloured wall. The form required no shadows (nor any hint of emotion), and I used a flash for that.

But for the avatar, I was happy to switch the flash off and, lit from the window to the side, emphasise the shadow.

The avatar uses a colour version, but I have just thought of stripping the colour out to create a harsh black and white image, which I prefer. Derivative (Bailey, perhaps?), but I rather like it.

Comments

[widgetfox.livejournal.com]

That's really nice. Your new FB icon is a great picture of you too.

If you're working Internet trends, there are a lot of people who like posting pictures of their cats.

[apscondita.livejournal.com]

I like it too. However, if I keep telling you how much I like your photos, there is a definite danger your head will explode.

[rhythmaning.livejournal.com]

No, it won't. My head is already big enough to cope. Feel free! ;)