So as many of you know, Hive account@photogames has kicked in to a new season, with a lot of new exciting developments. One thing that I really like, is this new "assignment" idea they started. While before there have been games of editing other pictures, you are now tasked with creating a brand new photo the week of, requiring you (or me) to conscientiously create a new photo for the "game".

I'm not a selfie person. There's a reason that I love being behind the camera, instead of being the model. Some people are just naturally photogenic, and enjoy putting their best face forward. I'm not, but many times to practice a style of portrait I have to use myself, since nobody else feels like going through random ideas late at night..which I don't blame them either.

Anywho, a good portrait (that wants to show the character of the person that is) often has little details that help to further describe the person in it. Last night I was pondering over what I was going to do (assignment due tomorrow, by the way). I've been re-watching Breaking Bad recently, and decided to revisit the whole "harsh light through the blinds" trick that I used to do a lot, and was reminded of it because of the show (they use it a ton). Secondly, I was wearing a Columbus Crew (soccer team) hoodie and figured why not show that I love both the Crew as well (main colors are black and yellow). I have a small apartment, but after moving the kitchen table and a few photos off the wall, I made enough space to fit myself and my 85mm in. It was tight, but good enough. I took my flash with a snoot and a yellow gel taped to it outside, shooting through my back door (with blinds barely open). Then I had my softbox in the living room, with a closet door blocking the majority of it (so it wouldn't hit the back wall, but enough on my face).

I did a few of me smiling and trying to look nice and genial, but for these dark and "moody" lighting setups, I prefer more of an unemotional pose/face than one exuding a lot of positive emotions. It's not that I'm an emotionless rabbit, but my eyes prefer more "serious" portraits, so that's what I did. It's been a while since I took the time to mess around with portrait techniques just by myself, so I'm really appreciative that Hive account@photogames has motivated me to mess around a little bit more with portraiture.

**Be sure to check out their post and submit your own here.

P.S. The Crew play tonight versus the Chicago Fire. You should watch that....or Breaking Bad.