SELF PORTRAIT PROJECT
SO I’ve reached the end of my 52 photos SP challenge…. it’s been quite a journey….
I’ve talked about the importance of self portraits before. Sometimes it’s a struggle to not come across as vain, but instead I like to acknowledge this journey as learning about who you are and how you see yourself.
But more importantly I know it’s helped me grow as a portrait photographer, in terms of composition, light, location and subject matter. Thankfully it’s also enabled me to have a collection of photos to look back on with some wonderful memories.
So I thought I’d share some of my techniques….
The urge to take a SP is either sparked by a location, so the light or the space may be gorgeous and that is my prompt. Or I may want to record a moment or a feeling that is worth acknowledging or remembering.
I either use reflective surfaces or hold the camera at arms length….
….but mostly I use the self timer, sometimes with a tripod and it’s only recently I have started to use a remote control, (boy has this made it easier!,) although I still find “jump” shots much easier with the self timer.
To set the shot up, find the composition I want and where I will be in the frame, then find my focal point and set my focus there. I move into the shot and click away. Sometimes magic happens and you get it first time, other times it’s a disaster and rethink happens. Mostly it works after a couple of takes, either I get what I picture in my head or an accidental surprise happens. Something interesting is always created.
Now I know it’s important to keep shooting myself, especially when I spend so much time behind the camera, so even though this set of 52/52 SP project is done, I will carry on the SP mission…. how do you find capturing yourself?
x. xo
Please do continue. I LOVE your self portraits!
This has been an inspiring post actually, as I totally hide behind my camera. Might challenge myself to this some time…
pen
10 Aug 11 at 3:30 pm
absolutely beautiful. congrats on finishing!
jodi
10 Aug 11 at 3:35 pm
It’s not that I hate photo’s of myself, it’s the difficulty getting it how I want it when I don’t have the camera in my hand. I feel a lack of control and it frustrates me. Self’s are challenging to say the least and a challenge I shy away from more than not.
Kimberly
10 Aug 11 at 4:02 pm
Totally inspiring! I need to start mine again! Thanks for the push.
Well done!
erika
10 Aug 11 at 5:57 pm
I find it oh so hard. And I know it will only get harder with time.
Your SPs are so very inspiring though. When looking, it feels like I am part of something very intimate. Rather than you showing us something, it’s us tagging along in a story you are telling to only yourself.
I enjoyed reading your blog entry. It has changed my perspective on SPs. For sure. It will no longer be about who will look at the picture and what THEY will think, but what the picture will mean for ME.
Elsa
10 Aug 11 at 10:59 pm
Congratulations! I love all you self portraits! I have never done a 52 wks or 365 project (I don’t have the time or discipline) but I do LOVE to do self portraits. They are incredibly therapeutic and have helped me to see myself with different, kinder eyes. I highly recommend them!
Here are mine: http://www.flickr.com/photos/libertadleal/sets/72157623271063003/
Libertad Leal
11 Aug 11 at 9:53 pm
You are gorgeous. And these are so lovely. Each and every one. I loved this entire post so much.
maile
11 Aug 11 at 11:16 pm
I love this. Not vain. Lovely.
And inspirational.
Bridget
12 Aug 11 at 5:39 am
[...] stumbled upon this link this [...]
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12 Aug 11 at 3:54 pm
Fabulous! I too often hide behind the camera. Thanks Karen Walrond for linking to your blog! I did a self-portrait on my birthday last weekend, maybe only because I was really trying to capture the dog in the side mirror of the vehicle and found it really cool to capture both of us on a photo road trip. Will have to do more
Thanks for the inspiration.
TJ Wood
13 Aug 11 at 2:56 am
Not vain at all. These are spectacular. I love your sense of composition. Absolutely beautiful, all of them.
Kimberly Hosey (Arizona Writer)
13 Aug 11 at 5:36 am
This is a great idea. It’s such an interesting way to record a year
Mrs Catch
13 Aug 11 at 7:00 am
Found you via Karen W. — I love this post and it is encouraging me to continue on with my efforts at documenting and reviving ME.
Beautiful!
naomi
13 Aug 11 at 11:07 am
Found you through Karen W’s link. You both are so inspiring. Recently divorced and trying to re-find myself. Have been experimenting with the self timer on my camera. Hoping to upgrade to a better qualityone but for now and this part of the journey it’s fun. Thanks for being who you are and sharing.
Tanya Flowers
13 Aug 11 at 7:43 pm
I love the idea of this! Thanks for sharing. Personally, I’ve been inspired by a friend of mine who unabashedly takes wild, beautiful, expressive shots of herself using a simple point and click with a timer.
Phoebe
15 Aug 11 at 8:25 pm
Beautiful! I too found you through Chookooloonks. My husband is constantly reminding me that as wonderful as it is that I love to take portraits of our kids, when they get older they will want pictures of me. I love being in back of the camera and always dread being in front of it. What a great way to overcome my fear! Your photos are gorgeous and inspiring!
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3 Mar 12 at 6:18 pm