Tried my hand at self portrait with the 5x4.
printed at 16" x 12" at home (as big as I can go really with my set up) so couldn't really fit on scanner.
Again it looses some detail when scanned in, but was happy with  print, although no catch light in eyes due to being taken outside.

 

 More from the same shoot.
Experimented with the light set up to totally get rid of the background when printed.
think it worked quite well as the background printed same as the paper.
Again, quite pleased with final print.

 

Saturday night shoot and printed sunday.
They seem to loose a little impact from scanning in, but overall I was quite pleased with the final results.

Well, what can I say
You've got to love photography.
As some one once said to me "It is the beginning of my journey, with a long way to go. I may never reach my destination, but at least I am on the right path"
It's supposed to be fun, a laugh, a learning experience, yet - it is a serious channel for me to express my inner self.

So
It's Saturday night, wine poured, food ordered, front room transformed into a studio.
Square format loaded, props out, lights set up.
Chemicals sorted - before the wine takes effect.
Bring it on, bit of David Bailey, may be some influence by Juliet Margaret Cameron, Steve Pyke book at hand, music blasting.
Also - few bananas, pair of scissors - feel a bit of still life coming on too.
Photography / Art, awesome.

Steve Pyke
Utilising the full square format frame

Philosophers - by Steve Pyke

Just ordered