My latest self portrait project, X (pronounced, "Trans"), has come to a conclusion. But for the first time my inspiration has not run out with the end of the series. Instead, "X" has given way to a new project, "Whimsy". I am currently in my seventh day, with 25 shoots finished and more than 30 images edited. It has been fun, physically demanding and mentally challenging trying to predict the flight of a sheer eight-foot long veil. As I continue my 3 to 4 shoot a day pace I am tired, sore and bereft of inspiration, yet motivated to find a way to continue what has been a liberating project.
Thank you, V. I've been doing self portraits for more than five years now as a regular part of my work. In 2011 it took me as long as a week to create one self-portrait. Now it usually takes 2 to 6 hours from inception, through hair make up, wardrobe and set up to implementation. Editing is now down to spot removal & global tweaks with the occasional liquefy/clone. I don't even do skin smoothing anymore, as the lighting pretty much handles it for me.
Good job. I like the images. They come across as original and inspired, quite different from the typical glamour/fashion photography one sees on the forum.
Finding inspiration can be a challenge as I get older and the demands of work and family consume my time and energy. I am happy your were able find it and work through to create these images. Please keep them coming. I enjoy viewing your work.
aubsxc wrote:
Good job. I like the images. They come across as original and inspired, quite different from the typical glamour/fashion photography one sees on the forum.
Finding inspiration can be a challenge as I get older and the demands of work and family consume my time and energy. I am happy your were able find it and work through to create these images. Please keep them coming. I enjoy viewing your work.
Thank you very much. I wish for you a steady stream if inspiration. And yes, I intend to keep them coming (this series is over but the self-portraits are not done...)
Considering the physical toll taken during this shoot and the fact that I was physically worn out before I started, I think I am done with "Whimsy". Moreover, I don't think I can top this image, I have already tried and realized it's going to get me hurt. For those interested, capturing this involved more than 200 takes during which I refined my pose, timing and technique. The first 137 takes involved spinning on my left foot (in 6 inch platform heels no less) more than 360° at a rate of roughly three attempts per minute. To keep from getting dizzy I remembered that figure skaters when spinning will often fix their eyes on a target and then snap their head around. This worked. In the back of my mind I kept telling myself, "If I fall, it could go badly...". On the 138th take, I did. I twisted my foot out of my shoe, ripping off the ankle strap but saving my ankle, and fell on my butt between light stands (thankfully). The result was sore muscles and a "fear". I could no longer commit to that 360° spin. Knowing the potential of what I was doing, I was not willing to give up. Instead, I re-thought, retooled and rehearsed a new, less dangerous technique. 60 takes later...
I already have an offer to exhibit theses images. :-) Exhibit printed.
