10 Soulful Self-portraits
Take a quick browse through my instagram page and it will become apparent pretty quickly that I'm a fan of self portraiture.
I enjoy jumping in the frame myself and I admire others who can do the same, so today I'm featuring ten women photographers who aren't afraid to put themselves out there on the opposite side of the lens.
I also asked each photographer this question: "Why do you think it's important for women to get in the frame and participate in self portraiture?" You can find their beautiful self-portraits and accompanying words below.
"It's important to get in front of the frame when you're usually the one behind it. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I exist, too! Self portraiture is a way to express how I feel and to be confident."
Find Ebony HERE
"As women we are often told we aren't enough. Self portraiture allows me to completely let go of any worry, insecurity, or stereotypes that dictate what is and is not an acceptable display of my body. It brings me to a place of what "I" love vs what society likes."
Find Chrissy HERE
"We deserve to be seen....not just by our audience but by ourselves. To be the subject and the artist simultaneously requires a certain strength and vulnerability that transcends how we view ourselves physically and forces us to delve into how we see ourselves as a part of a greater population of women with something to say. Self portraiture will break you and strengthen you in a way that nothing else can."
Find Kellie HERE
"Because I'm worth it too."
Find Tina HERE
5. @sugarysol
"For me, self portraits are a means to boost my self-confidence. Many times, I use them as a tool to express myself; I feel freedom when it is just the two of us: my camera and me. Also, I want my kids to have pictures of me that I'm comfortable with."
"I want to be able to remember how I once was. I want my children to be able to see me how I was and be able to recognize the physical similarities that we share. When I'm old and gray and wrinkly, I hope I'll still be taking self portraits and getting in the frame."
7.. @abbykennan
"I started a self portrait project as a way for me to be in the frame with my children and it naturally happened where I found myself week after week just shooting myself, for myself. Documenting my journey as a woman - not as a wife, or as a mom, but me. A person with scars and flaws and beauty and strength underneath it all. I'll be getting back to capturing myself with my kids because that is why I started on a self portrait journey, but I am so glad I strayed off course."
Find Abby HERE
8. @aliceche
"It's an incredible way to gain confidence and learn to love ourselves. It's also an excellent way to practice and learn new techniques as a photographer!"
Find Alice HERE
9. @lytlefoto
"Through self-portraiture, I think we can be both vulnerable and strengthened in our worth. Treating ourselves with the same dignity and love that we extend to others...that's transformational stuff. Also, putting ourselves out in a transparent light invites others to also be authentic."
Find Hollie HERE.
"I don't always 'look good'. I'm a mom & a wife. I wear clothes that I don't mind getting dirty daily. But when I look at myself in portraits, they make me feel good all over. That's the reason I think it's important for me."
Find Kianna HERE.