Just Another Day

Self-portraiture is something one should never get involved in, since it is wrong to lie even though one endeavours to tell the truth. (Ingmar Bergman)

There are two things I’m really scared of: No. 1 is a snake, and No. 2 is being

 photographed.  And I’m not only talking “selfie” here.  Selfie sticks are out of the question; it’s all about the EOS camera on a tripod.

Self-portraiture teaches the photographer many things about the use of a lens, camera speed, ISO, shutter release, timers, etc., but also about posing, lighting, backgrounds, and being comfortable in front of the camera, which I certainly am not. If you're interested in starting your own self-portrait journey, I'll share some tips and my personal experiences to help you overcome common fears.

Unless I’m able to see myself as the object and not the subject, I’ll not succeed; just the thought makes me break out in a cold sweat, and my blood pressure goes through the roof!  So today’s contribution will be dedicated to three women who’ve been instrumental in shaping my self-portraiture journey and who I am today-my Grandmama, my Ouma, and my Mom.

They are my Grandmama, my Ouma, and my Mom.  The one played bridge, read, and travelled; the other grew up and lived on a farm all her life, in an era when women still carried heavy loads on their heads. Their stories help me feel connected and appreciated. 

My Mom, who has green fingers, a magnificent garden, and always had flowers to pick, even if it was only one end-of-season blossom.

My Grandmama was feisty, she loved books, travelling, good food, and beautiful things, and said I should play bridge as it was a passport the world over and would stand me in good stead.  The photograph inspired by her isn’t a self-portrait, just a still life.

Fortunately, my neighbour came around the corner just as I was losing my confidence, and I just managed to pan him on his little scooter at a slow shutter speed.  For all these photographs, I used my 50mm Prime Lens because it offers a natural perspective and helps me focus on details that matter.

Props are always a good idea for self-portraiture; one needs something to focus on, and timing is difficult, so for me it’s very much potluck in the end.   Reflections are easiest, and I try that too as a last resort. I hope this encourages you to try different approaches in your photography.

"I loathe my own face, and I've done self-portraits because I've had nobody else to do." (Francis Bacon)

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