I think that the pictures I submit for this project will be a little different from the ones that 'normally' appear on this blog - but I am going to post them anyway.
I dont think the group could have picked a more difficult first subject - 'self portrait' - many of you will have noticed that I am essentially absent from my own blog - and thats not just because I stand behind the camera most of the time. It's a clear choice on my behalf!
I decided to take this image with strong side light so that only half of my face was clearly shown. The idea here is about the public and the private, and what we choose to share. Also, I find many people simply invent 'truth' in portraits based their own prejudice or bias - in other words what they say the picture tells them about the person in the picture is as much a product of the viewer as the subject.
So, here is some of me, with the rest a little obscured.
I think it is always fun to join a new meme! And a great way to start the New Year!
ReplyDeleteI remember doing this type of portrait in photography class thirty years ago, except we used a board covered with aluminum foil to reflect the light (outdoor - sunlight).
Best wishes and many blessings to you and your family in the new year!
Lea
I like your story. It must be a hard challenge when you prefer to be not seen.
ReplyDeleteI like this self portrait. Very creative. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteGreat portrait! It's nice to see you, Stewart !!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year !!
Hari Om
ReplyDeleteCreatively done Stewart and a wonderful start to 2016! wishing you all the best with the new project. YAM xx
Hello, Stewart. Well done. I like the lighting and the idea of public and private. Happy Sunday, enjoy your new week ahead!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Stewart. Not too scary a visage. LOL Most of the family photos I have don't have me in them being the photographer. Lucky now that Emily takes photos so I can use some of hers when I create the photo books.
ReplyDeleteWell, this picture tells far more that maybe you had intended ... like glasses around your neck ... hmmmm that's a sign of your age group :) There is a clear story about your love of nature all around you ... Bee on your shirt, birds in the curtains, nature books on the shelf. But, of course, we all knew that about you already. You look stern, perhaps an attempt to look neutral because I am guessing you are anything but stern ... with your gorgeous children and wife around, I would suppose that you normally wear a big smile. But a self-portrait it is and a handsome one at that. I may toddle over to check out this meme,it sounds interesting ... But I will skip the self portrait part if you don't mind:)Happy New Year to you and your family. I look forward to sharing another year of life with you ...
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From The Sol
You are off to a great start on what sounds like a fun and interesting project. I'd have to decline to participate. I know I'd find the pressure to great to meet the commitment.
ReplyDeleteLike you...I would prefer to be behind the camera...Sounds like a fun project...Good selfie or did your daughter take it? Very creative..Happy 2016!!
ReplyDeleteaw...themes
ReplyDeleteStewart...I can definitely relate to your feelings about posting pictures of yourself. Even before I read the part about the 2 sides and the public vs private I was thinking it. I cannot imagine a better capture to represent your own personal feelings and the prompt. Kudos to you on a job well done.
ReplyDeleteVery well done Stewart...both the photo and the rationale... The complexity of who you are as a person shows through both! Thank you for sharing...
ReplyDeleteI share your desire to be private. But know I know I won't be scared of you if you ever get over to the Wild West. And I thought you did a good job of adding personality to your portrait with the lighting and environment.
ReplyDeleteI even keep myself obscured from me! I do not understand the popularity of "selfies". I run rapidly past mirrors because I don't recognise the stranger who dwells in them...and I was always taught never to talk to strangers!! :)
ReplyDeleteI hope 2016 treats you and yours kindly, Stewart. I hope it's a good year for you! :)
Sounds like an interesting challenge! The self portrait was probably hard for most bloggers, now that I think of it. At least the ones where I visit most frequently don't show many selfies. Because we're all behind the camera.
ReplyDeleteEven better than the image of your delightful physiognomy is the great collection of books behind you!
ReplyDeleteNice selfie! I always like to see the face behind the lens. :) Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteOoh, "public and private" with the shaded face...love it! But I miss your smile!
ReplyDelete