While in Chicago last month, one of our workshop attendees booked a Mini Session for her family. But when her family couldn’t make it, she decided to use the session as an opportunity to have a Self Portrait Photo Shoot done of her. A FABULOUS IDEA!
I LOVE self portrait work. I love the process of collaborating with my subject to capture a photo that best represents their current season in life.  To start our process, I sent Dana four or five reflective questions to answer and send back. A couple of the questions were;
- In this current season, how do you see yourself as a woman? (i.e., strong, courageous, open, solid, quiet, unfolding, etc.)
- Where do you see your journey or process going?
Based on her answers to the above questions and a couple more I sent her, I had a much deeper sense of what direction we wanted to explore for her Self Portrait. Before I started shooting, we talked about her answers and how we might visualize the words through imagery. Together, we created a series of photos that are symbolic of where she finds herself in this season of life.
For question number one, Dana used the following words to describe herself; strong- tough and tender- looking for my own place in the world. Since she loves yoga, we incorporated this practice into her shoot. Here are a few of my favorite photos that show Dana’s words.
STRONG
TOUGH
but TENDER
LOOKING FOR MY OWN SENSE OF WELL BEING (this is my favorite!)
Dana had never tried a handstand without a wall to help her balance. Look at how she rocked it! This is my favorite photo of the series because I can imagine her children, and even future grandchildren, drawing strength from this image. To someday see this photo and know their mom was actively looking and working toward her own sense of well being, that she saw herself worthy of that process…wow, what a legacy to leave.
Thank you SO MUCH Dana for this wonderful Mini Session. Your honesty to the questions I emailed you, the conversations we had during the shoot, your willingness to explore and collaborate together…it all unfolded the most amazing photo shoot. It was such a honor to do this shoot for you.
Much, much love,
m
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That last photo brought instant tears to my eyes. Such strong emotion in that photo. wow!
Me too Rebecca! Me too!
xo,
m
I have been looking forward to these since Chicago – you captured Dana’s spirit beautifully! They really convey what an amazing woman she is.
That last image is sooo powerful! OMG…it is the loud speaking image! Awesome Me Ra as always. Your creativity is inspiring.
If I looked like Dana I would have pictures of myself taken every weekend! 🙂 Beautiful, Me Ra!
Wow! That handstand photo is amazing! It is so inspirational.
good stuff dana.
I love that you can find amazing ways to connect to people. Dana’s strength and beauty all come together in these photos. The last photo is truly beautiful.
Yeah Dana! These are awesome Me Ra!
For at least two years, I’ve been getting a sense that that’s where I always want to go with my clients. Maybe it’s because I wanted to be a psychologist when I was a kid….I love going deep and assisting someone in a perspective shift, even if that shift simply allows them to see themselves better. I’ve been shooting weddings for 10 years, but I love the essence of photographing a single person in transition.
Me too Julie!! me too! It’s such a rich experience!
xoxo,
m
Dana – so courageous of you! Courageous of you to embark on self-rediscovery. Courageous of you to share a personal photographic reflection with us. And definitely courageous of you to wear a tank top when me ra’s got on a winter jacket and scarf – it must have been freezing out there 😉
Simply beautiful, Dana and Me Ra!
Dana! From only talking with you here and there in those two days, this is how I see you! What an awesome session. The photos are beautiful, as are you! Great job all!
A few tension is nice, this drives and devices us all, nevertheless a lot of tension brings about unfavorable feelings, violence plus a diminished perception associated with well-being. nOw how will we …