SHOOT DAY: My Self-Portrait Journey (Part 2)

I seriously don’t even know where to begin. OMG… I am so, so happy right now. I did it. I stepped into today open and excited to do my self-portraits.

I didn’t really know what I was going to wear until this morning. I just sifted through my wardrobe, found about five outfits that made me feel good, and decided I’d just go with what felt right in the moment. I put on some of my favorite music and just started to play. It always takes a little warming up, kind of like when I photograph others—just getting into my own groove and feeling comfortable in front of the camera. But before I knew it, I was having so much fun. Changing outfits, adding accessories, just feeling playful.

The music was loud… louder than usual, because I didn’t have to guide anyone but myself. And at one point, I noticed this voice creeping in, telling me I needed to hurry up… that I had so many other things to do besides the shoot. It felt like I should just do the bare minimum and move on.

But then I caught myself.

I am choosing to make myself a priority today.

Yes, this is “work” in a sense, but honestly… it was so much more for me today. So I kept shushing that voice and decided to fully embrace the process and allow myself to be free. Just like I encourage my clients to do.

I ended up shooting for hours. I couldn’t stop. I would peek at the camera here and there to check the lighting, but I really wanted to wait and experience everything during my reveal.

And I have to share this… yesterday, during my client’s session, she was open to doing fine art nudes and asked me if I had ever done that myself. I had to think about it, and I realized it had probably been about 25 years. After witnessing her experience and seeing how powerful it was for her—to really see her physical form in that way—I decided to do it today.

I was nervous. Really nervous. And definitely uncomfortable at first, especially not being able to see what I was capturing in the moment. But wow… what a liberating experience. I am so happy I did it. It felt so freeing, even before seeing a single image.

After I wrapped up and broke down the studio, I took a little break… and I was so ready for my reveal. Stay tuned for Part 3: The SHIFT.