Self-portrait content tends to be my most engaged with work. I’m not going to even pretend it has anything to do with me. Really I think the interest comes from a combination of curiosity and (hopefully) a connection to attempts at self expression. The engagement, regardless the reasoning, always leaves me surprised in the best ways.
Self-portraits are how I started photography, where I become most artistically frustrated, and what I ultimately feel most connected to.
People ask me where to start and I always say the same thing… you just have to do it.
Just Click the Shutter.
I find myself getting caught in the details. And details are important, don’t get me wrong, but when it comes to expression, getting caught up in perfection has only ever left me falling flat, feeling stuck.
So just do it! Go out and challenge yourself. Observe and learn. Take the “best” photos, take the “worst,” so long as you click that shutter and just shoot.
When I first started photography I become stuck on the equipment. I soon found however that so long as a picture can be taken, the equipment doesn’t determine the photos. You don’t need the best camera body or lens, you don’t even need a camera… use your phone or even laptop! No tripod? Get creative! 1/2 my photos have been taken by propping up my camera in weird places and using some crop adjustment magic!
Just Click the Shutter.
And click a lot. Sometimes it takes one-hundred to get one but oof that one feels good.
Once I got over being caught up in equipment, I found myself getting caught up in the aesthetics of myself as a subject. Not caught up in a creative sense either. No, this was a projection of every little insecurity combined with my inability to do any sort of hairstyling. This one took a while to get past. It’s hard to take the photo when you dread what you’ll see.
I don’t think people realize how (unfortunately) normal that feeling is. So many of my clients immediately start to shrink themselves in front of the camera because they’ve already counted themselves “out”. And it’s silly that we do this (something I’m sure you’ll hear many more rants from me about).
So how did I get over it? I followed my own advice. The more I pushed myself to just take the picture, over and over again, regardless of makeup or hair or lighting, the more I began to like what I saw.
While this photoshoot was me pushing myself in a new way to actually dress up, I’ve found that I tend to love my messy and raw self-portraits more. I’ve found a new admiration for the process, overcoming the “icks” that come with taking photos of yourself as the artist and the muse. This acceptance has created an ease that only comes with practice.
Just Click the Shutter.
And hype yourself (or any other subject) as you do it. Show yourself kindness and compassion. Let any left over anxiety fuel your art instead of allowing it to hinder your willingness to even take the photo.
An obstacle I am currently facing is anxiety around locations, particularly the risk of others seeing me take self-portraits. When shooting with other people this isn’t a concern, and I do my best to make all parties involved feel comfortable and light hearted. When it’s just me, my camera, and a random onlooker however, it gets a bit more awkward . Being a photographer in Worcester, Massachusetts opposed to being predominantly based in Maine has been an adjustment in this sense. I’m finding new locations however discretion is a bit more hard to find, especially on a time crunch.
The other day I decided to challenge myself by going to a park that I drive by often and always think to stop at but never do because of people. I’m so glad I put my anxieties to the side. I realized how few people even seemed to notice (this may also be a regional thing… I’ve noticed Mainers tend to want to talk more haha!). The few who did were merely curious and moved on quickly. LESSON?
Just Click the Shutter.
I think it’s important to make a note about safety here. There’s a difference between feeling unsafe in a situation and self-conscious about taking photos. Please be very aware and trusting of the first feeling. Make sure to prioritize your safety regardless of location, and tell trusted people where you are going when you decide to take self-portraits alone. Among other precautions I take for safety, I cary an alarm with me when I take self-portraits and only have gear out that I need. It sucks that this is a conversation but it’s an important. one.
NO PICTURE IS WORTH YOUR SAFETY!!!!
Sure, I’ve been saying “just click the shutter” for a whole post but this translates to everything. That thing you’ve been really wanting to do but feel so overwhelmed or unprepared to take on? Just start. Do it and mess up and learn and do it again. Over and over. Give yourself time and compassion and reflect but keep doing it.
