Self Portraits

I’m not a ‘selfie’ person. It’s not that I don’t like being in front of the camera. I do, but it feels weird to take pictures of myself. Are people going to think I’m vain? Am I full of myself?

This year I teamed up with some other photographers to get in the frame more. That might mean that I take a bunch of selfies, but it also means that I’ll intentionally be in the frame with others. I will likely set up the camera, perhaps setting up my tripod, but maybe handing the camera off to my husband.

It’s important for me to document me. My daughter and husband are in the bulk of my pictures and I don’t want to look back and wonder ‘where was I'? We all know I was behind the camera, but I want to be a part of the picture. When emotions come to the surface viewing pictures, I want to be a part of that. I want you to see the love, the laughter, the bonds between me and my family. And sometimes, I’m going to be completely vulnerable and be in the picture by myself. I may wear many faces and may feel completely silly doing so, but I think it’s important for me. Therapeutic even.

My friends and I will be posting online once a month, but I’ve been practicing - getting comfortable with this idea of the self portrait - of getting in the frame. I’m excited to continue documenting our family, but include me in the capture.