Self Portraits
Mirrors & Reflections
1, 2, 3... Click.
Self portraits are one of the most profound processes as a photographer.
It’s like sitting in front of a mirror, but instead of a reflection, it’s a moment captured in time.
Sometimes it has an artistic twist, and other moments it is just a raw version of you.
Then there are those quiet moments in between the frames—readjusting the camera angle, moving lights, composing the shot, finding the expression.
There are so many elements that go into creating self portraits, but the ultimate truth is the person you see in the photographs.
Just like a mirror, self portraits capture you and your reflections.
Developing Concepts
What I love most about self portraits is having the time to experiment with different elements I would like to introduce into my photographs.
Maybe it’s using gels or composition.
Yet, the self portraits themselves become a concept that can be referenced for inspiration or maybe future moods.
As I continue, I find myself unfolding and beginning to flow.
Self portraits aren’t easy to create.
What I have learned on my journey is that they reinforce your ability to love who you see.
All parts of you.
Confidence & Self Love
Self portraits help you build a kind of relationship with yourself you probably never knew you needed.
I captured a few self portraits in front of a mirror.
Even though this was a test, it made me slow down and see myself in that exact moment.
It wasn’t the final image, but an idea coming through if I gave myself time to experiment.
Although I was in the moment of chasing instead of the moment of being, the mirror reflection, the photo reflection, and the quietness in between all came through at once.
After many years of creating self portraits, they have helped me tap into a level of confidence and self love I never knew I needed—not just from a physical standpoint, but also a spiritual one.
Voice and Creative Expression
Reflecting on my self portraits has allowed me to communicate my creative expression.
Things I can’t quite put into words, but can capture and release through photographs.
It is one of my safe spaces and my source of vulnerability.
I have cried, wiped away tears, experienced happiness, and carried pain in my self portraits, yet I feel safe when I am creating them.
This is what really launched me into creating meaningful photographs and helping others tell their story and capture who they are becoming, because every moment is fleeting.
Reflection
Every self portrait doesn’t have to be loud. It can capture emotion, light and shadows, or simply composition.
Yet, the truth about self portraits is that they are a way, as a photographer, to build a relationship with yourself and who you see.
I am forever thankful for starting this journey much earlier.
It’s also my way of staying creative between photo sessions—crafting self portraits, updating my social profile picture, and creating frames that are solely for me to keep and appreciate.
As I said before, self portraits are the mirror and reflection of you.
Do you love and embrace who you see?
I do.
Great work!