I get asked all the time why in the world I take self-portraits. Usually it is a simple curiosity. Especially from fellow photographers who can’t imagine being in front of the camera, this is a strange thing to do. It is vulnerable, reflective, and telling. But it is also a way to take control over all parts of your craft – to focus on the self is to be bold, brave, and mindful. Or at least, it can be. Often…
I received an email not long ago and wanted to elaborate on my answer here, because I feel certain that someone else is facing a similar problem. I know I have and will again. Here is what some of the email said: “I was told the other day that I should start to produce some other art: being aware of not getting to comfortable with my style, that I am always doing dark stuff and should do something else. I…
When I started out in photography I couldn’t understand why there were “industry models” and otherwise, how there could be a separation between “beautiful people” and not. I didn’t understand why we had to perpetuate that stereotype of a certain kind of beauty and why so many didn’t speak up when it came to sharing their own uniqueness. When I started taking self-portraits I lied to myself and said that I only made arms skinnier for a more streamlined look,…