[Joan Breckwoldt]

Hi Judson,

I'm certainly no expert but I'll give you my opinion. You definetely have your shadow and light side with the one source of light, but I think you have too much shadow side of your face. You might try moving your light source so you get some light on the shadow side of your face. Try for the 'Rembrandt lighting' where you have a triangle of light on the cheek on the shadow side. Also, you could use a white posterboard or something similar to bounce just a little light into the shadow side of your face. Lean it up against a chair, playing with the angles, so you get just a little life into the shadows. I think you'll find the camera will give you more shadow than you think you'll get.

But remember, this is your self portrait and you may want a certain mood. But it wouldn't hurt to see if you might like a little more light on your face.

Hope this helps.

Joan