What Self Portraiture taught me.

Hey you!

First of all, how are you doing? How was your week? How are you holding on? Are you happy? What was the highlight of your day so far?

Today, I wanted to share with you the benefits of self portraitures from my experience and hopefully, it can motivate you to give it a try as well!

A couple years ago, I remember very well hearing the beautiful models I was working with on a photoshoot tell me "why wouldn't you take pictures of yourself?!!" and I laughed nervously, hiding more behind the couch I was sitting next to. But even if it sounded terribly scary at the time, and without even realizing it, they planted a seed in my head.

And what a seed!!

With the pandemic, my work as a photographer got challenged. I didn't have access to most of the things that were essential to my art: people and locations. Or at least that's what I thought at first... Until I realized that I am a people and my home is a location. 

I love to say that I'm recovering from self hate, one self portrait at a time, because it's all it is. Taking the gaze back on myself when I was so scared to look at me changed me drastically, inside and out.

I used to feel ashamed of parts of me that weren't validated by society. Until I took time, energy and creativity to documente them with all the love I hold. Taking pictures of my stretch marks, saggy breasts, asymmetrical face etc changed the way I was looking at them and I let others look at them as well. When in the past I used to self doubt about the particularities that make me unique when I met someone new, I now automatically doubt the other person if they dare looking down at these beautiful parts of me. 

I now look at my body with all the love and consideration it deserves. 

Plus, knowing that people can easily find pictures of me as I am kind of reassures me. They don't have to project non sense expectations on me, they accept me as I am or they leave. And I love it. I don't want to waste my time with people I don't align with, so I'm glad when they disappear first. 

Now let's mention how much of a beautiful practice it is for creativity to work on self portraiture. You're the only one who choose the rules and contrains. You can train over and over pressurelessly. Nobody cares if you "fail", take too much time or are being weird. Your art is the only thing that matters at the moment. 

Plus, I now have fun memories to look back at in the future. And we tend to forget how important it can be for some people (it is for me). 

Please, give it a chance. It doesn't have to be perfect. Have fun and everything will be fine!