My wife Julie got me a lightstand and umbrella for my flash as a birthday gift (she's the best) I set up the camera on the tripod and sat on a stool using the remote to fire the shutter. I did this is the basement in almost the dark (I didn't have or use a background) I put the light above me about 45° and use a reflector on the other side in some shots. All in all I took about 54 shots figuring out flash settings and positioning. It's astounding how many variables there are and different outcomes you can get, one slight movement of this or that or even yourself can change everything drastically. I didn't even adjust apertures, shutters, isos that much and left it in landscape orientation. It was an interesting experiment for sure. Now to convince my friends to go down in my basement so I can take their picture (that sounds creepy doesn't it?)

Great self portraits! I find it hard to know were to put shadows and I really suck at this but I like a good portrait. I like nr 4 best. Profil shot are real hard to get good and that one is really great :)) And I think you need refrase that question! hahaha EvaLizette · 2012-03-10: 03:25

Very good results, I have to learn myself a lot about portraits and light. Unchained · 2012-03-12: 06:09

well done...interesting and mysterious... sonneilion · 2012-03-12: 15:40

Very nice. joycephotography · 2012-03-12: 23:08

cool set and I think for your first attempt it's pretty good...I read a book about portrait photography not too long ago that is really descriptive and has great tips for arranging your lights and positioning the subject...It's called Doug Box's Guide to Posing for Portrait Photographers by Doug Allen Box. I think it would be a great read for you. Keep up the great work! KatysPassionata · 2012-03-14: 20:13

Tagged: bw portraits