A few photographers I follow have posted self-portraits on their blogs and what-have-yous, the goal being to post one self-portrait a month. And I think that is such a cool, introspective idea.  What a neat way to look at ourselves, through our own eyes.

My photography journey has been one full of personal reflection and so a self-portrait project seems to be very fitting.

A couple of weeks ago I jotted down “self-portrait” on my to-do list.  I even drew a little check box next to it so I could check it off once it was completed, but I had no idea how I was going to complete it because I had no idea what my self-portrait would look like.  And so the box remained empty.  Until late one night late last week.  It was about midnight (like, waaaay past my bedtime).  I was getting ready for bed after finally responding to the emails starting to pile up in my inbox.  I was standing in my bathroom brushing my teeth, and it struck me. I needed this moment to be my self-portrait. Why? I have NO idea! But it had to be.

So, I went and got my camera. My toothbrush still hanging from my mouth.  And I just took pictures while I stood there in my pajamas, mouth full of toothpaste, hair knotted from its recently undone pony-tail, and light avocado green mask on my nose.  Was I serious right now!? What was I thinking!?

Well, now that it is after the fact, I think I know. To me, I was capturing the purest, stripped down version of me. The me reserved for very few. The me who I see every night before I close my eyes. The me who has just gone through a day only I truly understand.  It was simply, me.

So, here are a few photos from my late night self-portrait adventure.  Straight out of the camera, no editing, sassy bathroom lighting and all…. :)

Whatever you are up to, whomever you may be, this is a very interesting exercise and I encourage you, if you are so inclined, to see how you see yourself and take your own self-portrait.  You may be surprised when the you, you see, strikes. :)

Happy Tuesday!

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