Self Portrait

In preparation for the arrival of my new Sigma 50mm F1.4 lens, I took the opportunity to try some self portraits with my 24-105mm F4 L lens. Using a tripod, the self timer, and some guess work on focusing I managed to get a series of fairly well composed photographs of my self. I am keen to get a better understanding of portrait work, with the aim of taking some nice pictures of my niece and nephew.

The biggest disappointment, outside of focus, was how flat the images were, and how relatively noisy they were despite ISO 100-200 being used. The exposure will not have been correct, care of it being calculated prior to me being in the frame. I wanted to buy a remote for the shutter anyway, so maybe I will try again once I have one. The sensor also appears to have something on it, though I can't see it myself, it is visible on my shirt.


85mm 1/8 at F11

So, while slightly disappointed with the actual image quality (certainly poor for the lens and body combination), I am happy with the picture itself. Certainly not bad for someone who hates having their picture taken, and has the worst 'camera smile' I've seen!

On a sadder note, I spotted that my 5D has a 'hot' pixel, meaning that it records nothing, it is just red. This appears to only be problematic at low shutter speeds, and can be easily edited out on a PC, but rather irritating considering the cost of the body! Hopefully some manual sensor cleaning (as recommended online) will sort it, otherwise it's back to the shop!