Self Portrait Diaries: December 2023

Self portraits have become a ritual for me. I don’t schedule or prepare for these sessions, they just happen when they happen — usually when I’m deep in my feels and can’t focus on anything else. It’s usually late at night. I put on music, clean up my space, pour myself a hot tea (or red wine, depends on the vibe), set up my lighting and tripod, pull down my paper backdrop, and commit to trying something new. I turn the music louder. I find the moment, embrace the cringe, and begin.

Photos mark a moment in time. There is a kind of vulnerability that we can only really reach in solitude, and that’s what self portraits offer to me. It’s my way of journaling; my way of turning pain (or joy) into art. It’s my way of communicating what’s in my heart without the need to say anything.

It’s usually a 4-5 hour process for me to do self portraits from start to finish. It’s not a casual thing — it takes effort, vulnerability, and attention to detail. It helps me grow, and it makes me aware of my growth. It’s nice to look back on self portrait sessions and see the change in myself as a human and photographer.

May we all continue to create and express in the ways that connect with our spirit. May we allow our creativity & expression to become part of our spiritual practice.