Friday, January 4, 2013

Focusing on Life - 1 of 52

Sally Russick, from The Studio Sublime, posed an interesting challenge for 2013:  document the year by focusing on one aspect of our lives each week and snapping a photo.  Basically, focus on life through one photo a week.

I'm always looking to improve my camera skills and the challenge sounded like fun.

Sally's prompt for this week--week one-- is a self portrait.

I admit that I am far more comfortable behind the camera than in front of it.  I rarely like photos of myself and always notice those flaws that are so readily apparent in a photo.

I have found that adding texture to the photo can hide some flaws.


A black and white photo does wonders as well.

The biggest challenge I found in taking a self portrait is that I had nothing on which to focus the camera.  I tried making my husband stand in for me and, at one point, thought a lamp might do.

In the end, I was able to use a brick.  Who would have thought?

Sally, thank you for starting this challenge and I look forward to next week.

If you have time, take a look at Sally's blog, the Studio Sublime, and check out the other self portraits.

36 comments:

  1. Oh this is stirring something inside my head too.. But being new to blogging, I must find out how or whether I can include this in my blog! And your self portrait is lovely! :)

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  2. This is a good pose. I don't really like taking photo of myself. But if someone/friends insist, well first before they snap, my eyes focus on the camera, but when they star to count, and inbetween 2 and 3 I ALWAYS loss in focus. It's because I'm not so confidence about ME...my face...my hair...my body...etc...

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  3. What a lovely picture! The light coming in at an angle is wonderful. Very Vermeer!

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  4. This is such a beautiful photo. You are beautiful. Nice to see the woman behind the weaving :-)
    You made me laugh at the thought of a brick being your stand in!

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  5. That is a beautiful self portrait! I would much rather be behind the camera than in front of it!

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  6. I like your pose and you thought it out well, too.
    jenni

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  7. I see many of the participants prefer not to be the subject of their own photos! Part of the reason that I took so many photos is that I looked too "staged" - I like how you posed! Beautiful!

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  8. Lovely picture! I think it's a keeper!

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  9. Definitely beautiful, I don't see any flaws at all...gorgeous!

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  10. Tanya, your B&W photo draws me right in, there is such a expression of emotion. You have captured a beautiful self portrait!

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  11. Tanya your self-portrait is fantastic! Love how your hair is down and the light is just right! You did a fabulous job and I can't wait to see your following weeks pics!

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  12. Such a beautiful woman! I love this black and white photo--the texture is great. Your pose is perfect and sort of reflective. I'm looking forward to seeing more in the following weeks.

    And hello from another Kansas jewelry maker!

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  13. It is a wonderful shot of you! Love the process.

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  14. Hello Tanya...nice to see you! laughing! I look forward to these 52 weeks....envious of your beautiful long hair...

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  15. Beautiful self protrait and I love your expression!

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  16. Lovely self portrait. Texture, filter, expression,....all of it is perfect!

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  17. Nice photo and effect - love the wistful expression.

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  18. I have come to the conclusion, none of us like being in front of the camera, who would have thought.....:-)

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  19. Great photo! you are so much more brave then I was!! and such a beautiful picture ... you look amazing!

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  20. a lovely portrait, and yes being in front of the camera has taken a lot of us outside of our comfort zone.

    Nicole from http://instagrampad.wordpress.com

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  21. Hi Tanya,
    Your self portrait is stunning I love it, you have a very sultry look. You should frame this one and give it to your husband as a Valentine gift.
    Therese

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  22. I love your self portrait! There's something about that light on your hands and arms that is mesmerizing ... so beautiful!

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  23. You are so pretty!
    Brick! Whoda thunk of that!!

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  24. Fantastic photo--the composition and effects--and your beautiful face. I'm envious of your lovely hair!

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  25. Beautiful portrait! I too am much more comfortable behind the lens. Using a brick as a stand in is hysterical-hey whatever works, right!

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  26. I went with black and white, too. Your self portrait feels like it's filled with backstory, like something I'd find in a gallery. And I agree with the earlier commenters, it is a beautiful photograph!

    This is going to be a fascinating project!

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  27. Oh a brick, that's the secret. There I was practically dislocation my shoulder. Oh well. I think this is a really fun and full of life portrait

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  28. I love your picture and the black and white style. Also enjoyed reading your blog. HAPPY NEW YEAR. Dita.

    http://www.alankarshilpa.etsy.com

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  29. What a really lovely picture of you!
    Thanks for the tip about using texture to hide flaws. I like it.

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  30. Superb shot, great pose. I look forward to seeing another 51!

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  31. Oh wow, this is a lovely, soft and emotional self portrait! So love this :)

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  32. this is a real portrait - gorgeous!
    thanks for stopping by :)

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  33. Beautiful portrait! I love the pensive/thoughtful look.

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  34. Beautiful shot!! Great way to start the new year.

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  35. Wonderful self portrait photo. Love your thoughtful expression

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