I Am My Work -- the Thorn that Weeps, & Holds the Sky Entire...
by Bear_Music

Comment:
cowabunga, dude! or dudette, whichever case may apply...

most interesting and daring take on the challenge. in any other fitting challenge, i'd probably score this a 7 or 8. here, though, to be fair to all those willing to turn the lens on themselves, i can only score it a 4.

Graphic Portrait
by SteveJ

Comment:
i don't know anything about portraiture, so i'm using your image to try to figure out what i think i would or wouldn't do in this situation, as well as what i notice and get out of your image.

this is certainly an interesting image (not the least of which is the 'effect' you have achieved--hope you cough up the details in your notes!). if the art of portraiture is to capture the essence of an individual, you have done this in a most unique manner. the pose seems to be one of both study and inquisitiveness, as if you are working through what you are going to do next. all in all, a job well done. good luck!

Selfish Portrait III
by UNCLEBRO

Comment:
i don't know anything about portraiture, so i'm using your image to try to figure out what i think i would or wouldn't do in this situation, as well as what i notice and get out of your image.

my first reaction is "Whoa! that's pretty intense..." I guess you got what you were after. the hint of the hidden eye makes me wish there was just a bit more light on that side, just so i could actually see the eye without feeling that i'm imagining that it's there. great job capturing the textures and character of your face. all in all, a solid piece of work. good luck!

Hula - My other hobby
by Kekiinani

Comment:
i don't know anything about portraiture, so i'm using your image to try to figure out what i think i would or wouldn't do in this situation, as well as what i notice and get out of your image.

nice work. i think your props fit the image fine, and you've done a great job capturing the expression. you actually look like you're having fun! while the lighting is fine, and captures a range of tonalities across your face, there is something bothering me about the contrast between your hair and the background. but, that's only if you look really closely. overall, a solid piece of work. good luck!

Miyka'el
by mcmurma

Comment:
i don't know anything about portraiture, so i'm using your image to try to figure out what i think i would or wouldn't do in this situation, as well as what i notice and get out of your image.

excellent work. the focus, lighting, expression, and composition all come together to make this image. the eyes looking over the glasses are perfect--they go hand in hand with the hint of a grin. you look like you were actually having fun doing this. very well executed, i hope this does well for you.

8 O'Clock and 4 O'Clock
by 2Wheeler

Comment:
i don't know anything about portraiture, so i'm using your image to try to figure out what i think i would or wouldn't do in this situation, as well as what i notice and get out of your image.

my first reaction is "QUIT STARING AT ME!!!" what an amazing capture. you have managed to turn a self portrait into something more about me than you. that gaze is so STRONG that i can barely take in the other parts of your face without feeling that you are watching me. i sure as hell would never want to play poker or chess with you. excellent work. 9 from me.

blue and green should never be seen
by Donald

Comment:
i don't know anything about portraiture, so i'm using your image to try to figure out what i think i would or wouldn't do in this situation, as well as what i notice and get out of your image.

it looks like someone wanted to both have fun, as well as hide behind a mischievious fascade. if portraiture is the art of capturing the essence of an individual, i would say that you have succeeded. the flash is a bit strong, but i don't think that really matters here, does it? good luck with this!

02 13 2005
by undieyatch

Comment:
i don't know anything about portraiture, so i'm using your image to try to figure out what i think i would or wouldn't do in this situation, as well as what i notice and get out of your image.

if the art of portraiture is to capture the essence of the individual, you have succeeded. the lighting on you is fantastic, and the range of tonalities really bring out your character. the focus and expression are perfect. while i appreciate the statuette and like the repeating zig-zag, i find the hot-spots are very distracting--they tend to make me concentrate on a supporting element, rather than focusing on the primary subject--unless that is what you intended all along...which, if that is the case, you have done a remarkable job. thanks for sharing, and good luck!

Priorities
by nards656

Comment:
i don't know anything about portraiture, so i'm using your image to try to figure out what i think i would or wouldn't do in this situation, as well as what i notice and get out of your image.

excellent work. you have captured the essence of the individual. the lighting brings out a nice range of tones across your face, and offers a nice catchlight. the supporting elements all tie together nicely too say who you are. this all works very well. thanks for sharing! and good luck in the challenge!

[and on a side-note: my family is from durham, and i lived in the triangle area for about 3 years after college. a friend of mine with season tickets to duke used to take me to the duke-unc game, where i'd be the only person in the crowd wearing a light-blue cardigan ;-) i've been saying GO TARHEELS since the phil ford days...]

Self Portrait
by agrimace

Comment:
i don't know anything about portraiture, so i'm using your image to try to figure out what i think i would or wouldn't do in this situation, as well as what i notice and get out of your image.

wow! this is an amazing image. the lighting so perfectly brings out the intensity and inquisitiveness in your eyes, and the range of tonalities bring out your character. you have truly captured the essence of the individual. 8 from me.