I’m a woman just like any other. My self-confidence is an ongoing ebb and flow. There are moments that I feel beautiful and proud, but there are many more moments that I can’t find a single thing about myself that I like.
Action and reaction, ebb and flow, trial and error, change – this is the rhythm of living. Out of our over-confidence, fear; out of our fear, clearer vision, fresh hope. And out of hope, progress.
Bruce Barton
However, this year I joined a group of photographers for a project, a challenge, that’s purpose was to get its participants in front of the lens 52 times. I wasn’t sure how I felt about taking a photo of myself once a week. At first, I felt a little vain. But the more I documented myself this year, by myself and with my family, I realized that having photos of myself is just as important as having photos of the other members of my family. It’s important to me that my children know I was there too.
Another thing that happens when you take the time to photograph yourself is that you look at yourself differently. There are many things about myself that I don’t like, but I don’t see those things when I look at these photos. I see a mom, a wife, a sister, a daughter. I see strength. I see happiness. My body has carried two beautiful babies, both inside and Earthside. It’s wiped tears, given hugs, held hands, and kissed lips. It’s not perfect, but it’s mine.
These are some of my favorite self-portraits from 2017. One of which was published in Dear Photographer Magazine and another was a semi-finalist in the Click VOICE competition and was published in Click Magazine. I can honestly say that I would’ve never made these photos without the encouragement and daily inspiration of the powerful women in my P52 Radness group. I cannot wait to see what 2018 has in store!
“When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy, care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life.” Jean Shinoda Bolen
Thank you so much! ❤
Absolutely beautiful, delicate and so intimate. I always feel so guilty about taking selfies, and wrongfully so. Thank you for the photos! An absolute delight. xx
How beautiful they are! Thanks for your shares.
Absolutely stunning photos. Your joy at life and pleasure at being a current, expectant, and new mother shine through. I hope one day to get over my own phobia at posting images of myself. I am glad you do not suffer from the same. Thank you for sharing.
I feel like you captured your essence really well in the photos. Showing both sides of you. Love it!!
Beautiful pictures for a beautiful life youve created. So much to love!!!
I love the pictures where you are in one room and your little girl is in the other.
This is wonderful. I like how you thought that your art should showcase the gift of You. I think it should apply to every kind of art there is.
Your portraits are very inspiring and beautiful, I felt so touched by them and by how realistic they are, as if I was there too.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Judy. 🙂
You’re so beautiful, and these photos look stunning!
It is incredibly inspiring. I would try it too. You and your family are very beautiful 🙂
Amazing and inspiring.
this is so good..
Loved your photos!!
The pictures look so lively and filled with stories. I love it! Thank you for this post 🙂
Really beautiful images, love this post
These photos are amazingly beautiful. There’s just something about the photos that speaks to me it makes me want to cry.
These photographs are amazing! They brought me so much joy this morning.
Lovely photos. And I like this line of yours… ” It’s important to me that my children know I was there too. ” =)
Absolutely beautiful!
What a beautiful post. Pictures were captivated well and they say a million words! Excellent! 👌🏾💕
You have some very beautiful pictures here.
Amazing
Beautiful pics… Quote at the end by Jean; worth heeding as doing what one loves is what makes life interesting & keeps 1 keep going/getting up. I love photography/taking pics; but with my kids having flown the nest, I don’t indulge that much anymore; but I love this project & would embark on it in 2018
Impressive words and pictures!
These is wonderfull, really is. It make me smile every time I scrolling to the next photo 🙂
Very beautiful and brave!
Totally agree with her being brave!
Love your work
I just started my own blog , as a means of catharsis since I am going through my third depressive episode. And i am discovering more and more about myself each day.. wanted to share my latest post..
https://cocoaandtabasco.wordpress.com
Stick with people who provide encouragement and throw out anything negative…no matter how hard it may be to do!
It only takes one brave move to give you a lifetime of courage!
I love the intimate and raw emotion conveyed through your photographs. Thank you for sharing your gifts and talents with us.
I read this.. And just fall in love with your writings.
Wow, that’s nice
Ur photos are always beautiful
Your story is just wonderful. The way you expressed and the photos are simply awesome. I am out of words.!!
I love this ❤️!! Absolutely beautiful
Love seeing these all together!!! And the growth of your growing belly into a mama of two, one of my favorite reasons for this project too<3
Beautiful photos. Great work
Photos are excellent.
Beautiful words representing real life scenario 👌Well said 💯
Glad that i stopped by✌
Absolutely beautiful
Beautiful!
Those are utterly beautiful images. I have both baby and bump envy after looking at them. I love the one where you are half-tree.
Such a magical photographic glimpse into your life with babes in tow. Thanks so much for sharing these gorgeous sparks with the world. Blessings, love and light!
Beautiful! Great job, love this ❤❤
love those pictures…its so lovely cant stop watching them