Behind The Frame, part iv [Self Portrait Edition]

Self portraiture is an art form and specialty that I’m often trying to incorporate into my personal photography. For this installment of behind the frame I’m going to go into the visions and process behind four of my favorite self portraits.

Morocco Traveler

While recently traveling for a ‘Finding Wonder’ women’s photography retreat in Morocco I was inspired by this blue nook and wanted to take a self portrait. I set my camera up on a table and elevated it with a few books. I focused on a pillow that was set where I planned to sit, and used the interval timer of my camera to take multiple frames at once sitting. I alternated different frames with wearing the hat, holding the book in various positions, and changing the direction of my gaze. This image where I’m wearing the hat, holding the book in front of me, and looking off into the light was my favorite. I really loved how the frame is rich in color, and how the viewer is guided through the frame from left to right exploring the multiple areas of interest. The book I’m holding as well as one behind me give a sense of place, and depth is created with the close proximity to the table.

Moving Mom

When my family moved back to Portland Oregon from living overseas in Taiwan, I created some inspired images of my kids, small among all of the large boxes…but I wanted to ensure that I was in the frame as well, telling my story. I ensured that I was framed among one of the windows, and planned to be doing an action like labeling a box. The various boxes in the frame showed the enormity of our move while creating depth in the frame. I definitely didn’t have a tripod for this image, and just set my camera on pile of random stuff, and straightened out the image in post processing.

Reflection Self Portrait

Utilization of windows and reflections within them is a popular way to create a self portrait, similar to the style of Vivian Mayer. While traveling in Amsterdam i was inspired to make a ‘travel self portrait’ in a train windows. I wanted to show the busyness and rushed feeling I was experiencing around me while I was having a slower day just exploring. So, for this image I framed my self with my reflection in the train window, and then utilized a slow shutter speed so that the people around me were blurred while I held as still as possible in hopes that i was in sharp focus. I feel like my goal for this image was achieved. I waffle between loving the color and black/white edit more so I’ll include them both here and would love to hear which one you prefer.

Pocket of Light

A great exercise is to look around your home during different seasons, and noting when you spot unique light patterns or lighting situations. In the early summer in the afternoon, I’ve found a really beautiful quality of light that shines through the front windows of my home creating this lighting pattern which is modifiable by changing my blinds. For this image I loved how the light created this pattern coming in from camera left down to camera right which is where I positioned myself for the self portrait. I used the interval timer here again and changed my gaze for the various images. For this photo I love the black and white image the best as it really accentuates the lighting patten.

I would love to hear what you think of these four self portraits in the comments!

And, if you are interested in learning more about how I compose a frame for a self portrait, check out my online self paced course on composition and color.