The march of time – and my neo photo
It’s hard to believe, but it’s been seven-plus years since I put up my present neo-apple photo. That makes it outdated, although I like to think I haven’t changed that much (although the apple has; but that can be replaced).
And so I’ve recently taken a bunch of apple selfies in order to come up with an acceptable one for the blog. You’d be surprised how hard it is, and strangely enough, selfies are the only way it can be done. That’s because I have to be able to see what I’m taking as I’m taking it. It’s surprisingly difficult to get all the elements in place. The apple has to be held just so: non-blemished side forward, not crooked, the right distance from the face and covering more or less the same features as previous photos, and the hand at least somewhat relaxed rather than a tense claw. There are many outtakes, but there would be even more of them if I had someone else take them. And who would have the patience?
Oh, and there’s the lighting, too, which has to be decent. It doesn’t really work well outdoors – I’ve tried – and indoors I don’t have the right kind of lighting. But I make do. And one can adjust the lighting with editing, although I don’t do much other editing except getting rid of the background if necessary and substituting something simple instead. For the photo that’s been on the blog since 2018, I did adjust the lighting (darkened it), but I think the new one will be more natural in lighting. The camera on my phone is better.
You might be amused by some unpublished outtakes from previous efforts. This one is from 2022:
And here’s one from 2017:
William Tell would find it very challenging, the second photo.
There are many outtakes, but there would be even more of them if I had someone else take them. And who would have the patience?
I agree that the selfie process is tough, particularly in this form. But I actually think that having a photographer, perhaps a friend with a bit of skill with a camera, is much easier and effective. So what, if they take 50 duds? Then they can focus on the picture taking, and you can focus on relaxing and your smile, etc.
Now if all your friends and acquaintances are hostile to this blogsite, well… Ugh. But, if you know somebody who likes taking pictures (it’s not that uncommon) I’d bet they would not mind an hour or two perfecting that shot.
TommyJay:
I’ve gone through that process with friendly people. It’s a lot harder than you might think. And it takes many more tries than that. The timing is a big problem. Plus I need the feedback of seeing the viewer as the photo is taken, or there would be a lot more than 50 tries necessary. A lot.
Seven plus years: you are a completely different person.
I’m referring to that old thing about how your body replaces its cells every seven or so years. Does anyone here know what I am referring to?
DisGuested:
Yes, like Old Ironsides.
What was your Halloween costume?
Liz:
A candy corn.
“For the photo that’s been on the blog since 2018, I did adjust the lighting (darkened it), but I think the new one will be more natural in lighting.”
I think the dark (basically black) background adds to the “mystery”!!
You could give us an unobstructed full view of your face, but then convert it to about a dozen pixels. But then you run the risk that someone might try to “fill in the missing data” and who knows what that result might be!
Oh, use that second “William Tell’s son” photo some time – even if you only post it during April Fools’s Day! I think it is a great picture.
@ R2L > “I think the dark (basically black) background adds to the “mystery”!!”
Agreed.
I like your current photo – based on your writing, it looks like I expect you to look!
Who cares if your current physical envelope is a little different now?
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Photo doesn’t mater to me much but the apple in front beats the one on top
When are you going to take a bite out of that thing?