Self-Portrait Woes

For people who are always behind the camera, I think it's normal to slip into that whiny line that goes something like, "but I don't have any good pictures of myself!" I am going through that right now.

A few days ago on my Facebook page (here) I mentioned the need for a self-portrait project. I recent visited my very talented hairstylist friend Christa, who fixed the horrid home dye job that happened a month or so ago, and also reshaped my hair after having to cut 6 inches off from said dye job. Another friend asked for pictures, so I took Tomi (my D700) outside and we attempted an actual self portrait.

The results were less than satisfactory, as you can see. I think because I felt silly. Trying to set up the camera and then pose in front of it? Awkward. I've done plenty of holding my little point-and-shooot and snapping self-photos, but the DSLRs are not the same animal. Also on my patio with my cooler and little grill? Yeah, I know. Temporary insanity. Why would I choose to shoot there? Laziness I think - I didn't have to go anywhere. Also, privacy. No one would see me while I fumbled around trying to take pictures of myself! Boo! If anyone asked, or pointed and laughed, would it really have made any difference?

I have been considering a 365 daily photo project, and now this self-portrait project, so I have decided to combine the two. Starting October 1 (which I chose because October is my favorite month of the year), I will be tackling this thing! I think perhaps weekly or monthly themes will help me focus, but I'm planning to alternate moods as themes as well, make myself the model and attempt to catch those moods. Because I work mostly weddings, I don't have the freedom to play with models and work with the more conceptual imagery that I dream to create. I think of Mira and Tomi as tools for art, like brushes... they enable me. And I feel like it's time to push myself a little harder, and explore my creativity a little more. And hopefully, I get more comfortable being in front of the camera, and end up with some great self-portraits and with some lovely creative portraits as well.
So. October 1. 365.


Some of these photos will need costumery, I am sure. And planning. If you're a creative individual such as a make up artist, hairstylist or fashion designer and would like to help, please email me at armsupphotography@gmail.com. I can help you build up your portfolio!


Oh, and if you're a photographer reading this and would like to meet up for coffee and a quick headshot, please email me as well.