Self vs. Self

Well, I promised you something great, and here it is. When I found out that the Theme Thursday for this week was "Self," I was stymied at first. I do self-portraits so often that it hardly seems something I could do in any sort of new or interesting way. (Of course, this is just a flat-out lie - there are always new and interesting ways to take pictures.) However, the theme was quite timely, as I'd been contemplating a shot in my head for a few weeks, and this seemed like a good time to capture it.

The idea of a self-portrait is to capture yourself, as both artist and subject. But it seems that to be able to do that, you'd have to know who that self is. What about the fact that we all have so many different selves - which one are we capturing? It's the same with a mirror, really: When you look in the mirror, who are you seeing reflected back? Is that person the same person you will see the next day, or the next? Is that the person you want to be?

These questions really have no answers, of course, and will be revisited every time I take a new self-portrait. (Or look in the mirror, I suppose.) But for today's theme, I wanted to do something a bit different. So, without further ado, here is my take, on the theme of "Self":


For more variations on the theme, go visit Stacy!

Comments

Sarita said…
I love this! Often what I see reflected back at me is not all how I imagine myself. I think what you've done here reflects that even without makeup just out of the shower we can feel beautiful and made up - if I ever increase my photoshop and photography skills I would love to try something like this. So personal and honest. Nice work!

(I'm here from Stacey's blog!)
Hanlie said…
That is an awesome and very fascinating picture! Wow!
Bonnie said…
This is fantastic !! WOW !!!

I'm assuming you did that in photo shop. Can I ask for a couple of how to tips ??
Kim said…
Oooh! I love that! How did you change the color of your shirt? Awesome expression!
Brittany said…
That is AWESOME! What a great take on today's theme! Great work!
Megan said…
OK, that is so cool -- it's such a testament to a photograph telling a powerful story -- love it!
Unknown said…
That is great - tells an amazing story AND is a fantastic photo.
Stacy said…
What a great portrait and great idea! Well done!
JenLive! said…
That is an all around amazing photo!
tmb said…
You are required to explain how you made this picture happen. Seriously! My brain is exploding.

Which is to say, it's a totally amazing piece of art and I love it.
HLB said…
I don't usually go for post-editing photos, but that's a fantastic use of it. I love it!
Christina said…
Wow! This is awesome - you weren't kidding when you said it was great. Such a wonderful concept, and very well done. I hope you'll be sharing how you did it???
Maggie said…
You are amazing!! What a FANTASTIC shot for this week - and just a fantastic shot in general! And I'm with everyone else - I'm DYING to know how you did it!
kim said…
That is amazing! What a wonderful self-portrait.
Anonymous said…
I love it, kiddo! :)
Rose said…
Wow! What a great shot!! I love it, I want to try it some time.
I love the whole concept, I often find myself not looking like I hope would look - lol!
Great job with this effect, Lara. Seems pretty seemless.
Killlashandra said…
Wonderful image! I agree the edit is seamless and beautiful. Reminds me a bit of Girl in the Mirror, a Picasso painting but not quite as abstract. ;)

Very cool.

Popular Posts