(Self Portrait)

Looking for critiques on the above image. The more I look at it, the more uncertain I am about whether or not I could've done more to improve the shot. I am also looking for lighting setup suggestions for similar muscle study images that go beyond the usual blasé images of pretty girls half hidden in shadow.

Do you think the highlights are too hot/blasted out?

Should I have put a secondary light below to act as a harsh rim-light under my arms for additional definition?

Should I have moved further away from the wall in order to make my backdrop black? Or positioned a light to blast the wall out to a white background?

Do you think the black and white adds to the image? Or do you think colour would've been better?

Do you think the black and white is well done, or is there not enough of a tonal range?

If you were lighting this, what would you do for a setup?

Thank you in advance for all your advice and your honest criticisms.

Very well done. I like it a lot.

A little rim lighting would have been great, but other then that, it's pretty dang good as it is.

I like the pose (nice touch with fingers)
the light above you if fine
background is fine
I believe a very small reflector, like the size of a sheet of paper, at your waist would light the tattoo hopefully without losing to much of the shadow
maybe a really small snoot with a softener gel
still a nice shot as is

Thank you for the advice.

I've heard the snoot recommendation before, so I think it might be my next 'mini' purchase of photo equipment. And I agree, I should've put a small reflector at waist height to bring out a bit more of the tattoo, as mashed up as it is between my shoulder blades.

Do either of you have any recommendations for lighting for bodyscapes that go beyond the heavy shadows that meld into the background?

I'm seeking ways to separate the subject from the background, and based on your personal artistic preferences, would you illuminate the background as in the above photograph with the natural vingetting, or have the background all black/white? Do you have any suggestions for setups that give the subject superb definition with a great tonal range, without part of them disappearing into your backdrop? It's something I seem to struggle with...

Thanks again for your help.

Excellent! I like it a lot!!!

If you are ever done my way in Maine, stop by, I would love to paint a pastel figure back view of you similar to that photo (tattoo included)!

I'm not a photographer, so I don't have any technical feedback to give (and might be missing something). That being said, I think it's a beautiful photo and wouldn't change a thing.

Thank you for the compliments, MainePaintah and Veritas4Venus!

Sadly, being a recovering student hiding up in the Great White North, I don't make it out of my neighbourhood all that much. Nonetheless, if I do happen to find myself in your neck of the woods, I certainly will drop you a line, MainePaintah!