“Untitled”
A Self Portrait Photography Project
All these photographs are the products of the aftereffect of adolescents. These photographs are all self portraits. These self portraits demonstrate the beauty, power, and grace that I have grown into through years of self discovery. At the young age of eighteen I met opposition in pretty much every aspect of life. The crippling effects of self doubt and confusion of what life should be were huge burdens that led to a lack of confidence and dysphoria. This displeasure mixed with unacceptable decisions created a persona that I could no longer recognize as myself. I stayed this way for over a year. These photographs were all shot in the same year and are unlike any work I have ever done. These photographs were taken experimentally and purely on the impulse that I just had to create something. The results astonished me. The girl in these portraits was a woman. A woman full of strength that was bold and beautiful. Seeing myself this way naked except for the paint, flowers, and small strings revealed I was no longer this eighteen year old with burdens tucked and smashed in every pocket. The strings gripping my hands finally loosened and the dead roses were coming back to life. I felt so empowered and unchained. This series of work demonstrates me finally taking control and falling in love with myself again.
