Self-portraits for Self-conception
I was walking along the canal towpath when I spotted this fascinating tree branch. It ignited a photography spark, so I took a series of self-portraits to observe some of the nuances that I might not always see when looking in the mirror.
Also, I thought why not create beautiful memories of myself on this tree, huh?
Self-portraits give me a feeling of intimacy with myself and enable me to capture shots that show an authentic side of me while offering the comfort of sharing aspects of me that are like my alter-ego.
This image above, gives off a nonchalant look, which might be misleading sometimes, however, I feel most alive when I'm outdoors in nature, which helps me to trust that things will always work out just the way they were intended.
Everything is green and lush from continuous rainfall, which makes great photography, and the greens and browns of trees have a reassuring and calming effect on me. Oftentimes, I seek solace outdoors for introspection time.
I like this one's lighthearted and mysterious look of this image. It shows the true spirit of who I am, at heart.
Balance, focus, motivation, and confidence are attributes that I deploy to help me achieve my goals.
These variations of tree pose require all of these skills, which I get from practising yoga.
This series depicts a fierce warrior-likeness, which I gather is evident in my persona, and something that I'm mindful of, as some find it intimidating.
Another value I get from using self-portraits for self-conception is that you get to see what others see, and the contrasts and subtle differences in my personality are pronounced. This one shows my softer side.
I like doing things that are physically and psychologically stimulating, and the greenery and nature harmonise everything.
So, I think this photo above, depicts my sensual aura through my strong body-mind connection.
This one below, is one of my favourites from the lot.
However, if I could retake this one, I'd capture the photo from a higher angle to get my eyes more open. Still, I couldn't help but think of Leonardo da Vinci's quote ~ "Those who see, those who see when shown, and those who do not see."
From these small beaded eyes, 'I see'.
This was a fun exercise, and the colours of my attire were a complete coincidence, but I think the green was symbolic of growth, renewal, and a new phase, some things that I've been experiencing and new ventures that I'm looking forward to embarking on.
All the self-portraits and images were taken using my Olympus camera and photos were edited in Adobe Photo Express and formatted using Canva.
Beautiful photos un the Nature.
😊 Thank you 😊
I definitely knew I'd comment about how at one you seem with the nature. Both with the coincidence that your outfit blended in perfectly with the environment and the fact that your aura seems peaceful, radiating oneness with your mind, body and environment. Love it!🌺
Thank you! 😊
The surrounding area was so gorgeous, and it was just me and some animals for 5 days. My only conversation was "Moo" with cows, and I had all the personal space needed:)))
Look at you doing tree pose on a tree. ❤️
That's a great way to look at it. Self-photography is so much more than the self-absorbed selfie, and I love the wide range of emotions/moods you captures here. Love the playfulness, as well as the more fierce poses.
Hair's looking gorgeous, too (as are you). Big hug!
Thank you 😊
💯% You see the authentic you, and I always do my self-portraits in my most natural state.
No matter how 'physically beautiful' one might feel, it can be nerve-racking to look at a photo of yourself that's taken without a posed smile that you might do when someone else is taking a photo of you.
Through self-portraits, I got to understand how people perceive me better.
For example: I'm naturally smiley, direct and blunt. However, if I'm not smiling when I communicate, people become intimidated by it.
When my best friend sees my self-portraits, she says the same thing - if she didn't know me personally, she'd feel intimidated and trust me, she's not a timid person at all.😆
This. This has been on my mind a lot lately. I think it's a problem for a lot of women, actually. I think we have a tendency to smile or "put on a pleasant face" so that we don't come off as intimidating or maybe bitter? I'm big on smiling too, so it's often natural, but I'll sometimes catch myself smiling at someone as a way to deflect, declaw myself to them? I don't know yet, but it's a fascinating topic. i think self-photography is a great way to explore it, and what you perceive to be beautiful in your head. I think it lets you go huh so that's what that looks like. It's not how I pictured it.
I think I can see that. There's a force about you (could it be the Force?) which can seem intimidating, though honestly the best thing to do seems lean into it, 'cause I don't think you could erase it if you tried, so better embrace it. I'd say the people who wanna get to know you get to see past that force soon. :)
I look like a convict in all my passport photos, and I think maybe it's intended that way.
I think so. They say smiling is a universal language of love, but if I'm not in the mood to smile, I never force it.
Sometimes when I'm direct with people (especially when operating locks as a team), I hear hubby make 'excuses' or 'apologies' for me. He makes light of it and says, "Yeah that's an authoritative voice that I'm afraid of too. She's the daughter of a Headmaster and a Church Minister."
I just give a blank stare when he says that.😆
I was left speechless and it was amazing how to express different personalities with the shots. When I see greenery, it's always very attractive and I most times hear the trees whispering my name.
Sometimes, I can resist while it's the other way around when the place is free to explore. Great shots and happy weekend to you... 🥂
Thank you 😊
I get that! When I look at leaves and branches, I do get the feeling that there's communication that we should probably pay more attention to.
I feel lucky to be in some of these secluded places.
Happy weekend to you too:)))
The Goddess of coffee is expanding her kingdom to the very bright greener parts of nature it seems. Loving it! 😏☮️💚
😊😍Thank you!
Yes, I'm enjoying all this time in nature way to much:)))
You are welcome! 💟 I myself need a break as well. Lost amidst the green and the blue. A little vacation that's at least 2 weeks long haha. I'm just mentally drained, and tired of juggling from one task to another.
The last one was my fave in the set. ☘️ Tho I did not see exactly the jungle, just a forest 😜
I like that one for the clarity too.
Forest Girl has much significance in Japanese culture, so I decided to use 'jungle' more loosely... but forest is more accurate so I'll change it:)))
Both are good to use, and indeed the meaning / nuances may differ ☘️ Have a nice day!
😁 Thank you.
Have a nice day too:)))
Just returned from a motorcycles festival. Got loads of pics, including some where kids and folks tried custom bikes. Some are very funny! I tried a few myself too - just wish somebody made a pic of my happy face, but alas. Great day fuelled with sun and visuals - and in the evening I am up for a little cycling for an ice-cream shopping :P
!PIZZA for you! 🍕😘☘️☘️
Sounds like you had the perfect day!
Motorcycles, photography, cycling and cream?!
#LuckyYou!
Yes, one of relaxing and pleasurable days. Ice-cream is on the plate beside me right now xD
(This is a tiny spot in the chain of few rainy weeks, so I had to use it at full scale). 😎
That's a fun activity. It's impressive that you are taking these yourself. Seems like it would be challenging. They turned out great though. Nicely done!
Thank you 😊
Yes, it's fun, but it would be nicer if I had a model (male or female), as I'd be better able to focus the camera to capture salient details:)))
Yeah that would be easier for sure. Probably not easy to find a model though
No, it's not easy to find someone who accepts that I can achieve great photos without them being dolled up. 😏
Wow what beautiful fades of greens in this tree scenery. You fit this scenery like a glove 😊 Seeing you pull on the branches I couldn't help to think you were bringing out your inner Tarzan. I thought for a second you were going to use it as a vine and do some swinging, hehe. Great photography and this totally has a professional feel photoshoot!! Take care, thanks for sharing and have a great weekend ahead.
Thank you 😊
Hehe! I never got the chance to review the shots until last night. When I saw the vine, I thought I could have done something creative with it too.
I wish I had more time at the spot because it was raining lightly and a cold wind was coming in and I needed to get going fast. The exercise opened up many creative ideas though.
Btw, I'm moored for 5 days at one of the most beautiful locations on the network called Foxton Locks... the weather is crap, but I'm hoping to go for a walk at some point, but right now it's so chilly that I might need to light a fire.
Have a lovely weekend too.😁
I hope you get that opportunity and the weather becomes more favorable. I have wanted to sit at a camp fire for a bit now. Its scorching hot here right now so I'll wait on it. Hoping to get out this weekend but have to knock out this cold I have first 🤕 Feeling better should be soon when I get my wits back 😊
Yeah, we've been looking forward to lighting our firepit on the towpath, but there's been nothing but rain.
I hope you'll knock that cold soon 🤗
This is a very interesting image of a very good pokus point also supported in the background 😍
Thank you very much.
I'm pleased that these caught your eye.
Have a fantastic weekend:)
Thank you very much again, I hope your day is always pleasant
Thanks and the same to you:)
$PIZZA slices delivered:
@qwerrie(1/5) tipped @millycf1976
Looks like a great outing. Thanks for giving us a peek!
Hey there!
Thank you 😊
I'm hope you doing well:)))
Yes, thanks, the personal side coming back together, now just the professional side needs a boost to have us back on track :)
Ok, take good care until everything falls into place 🤗
What an impressive self-portrait image of yours. You are enjoying so much in the middle of nature. The fierce look of yours is not that intimidating as what I've seen. Have an enjoyable day.
Hehe! Thank you so much 😊
Yes, I do enjoy myself in nature very much and I'm looking forward to the weather improving and some sunshine:)))
Happy Weekend!
Amazing photos you look so happy and enjoying life.
Thank you!😊
Yes, it's been lovely being back on the cut. I just returned from a long walk!