Sunday, February 07, 2010

Retrospective: Early Self-portraits, 2001-03

I came across these photographs while pouring over my archives today. Going back to look over old images is always an interesting process for me. It's a journey of sorts, of seeing where I was and what I was feeling at the time the photo was taken. When I first started to teach myself photography, there were two genres that captured my soul; Documentary Photography and Self-portraiture.

Looking back, i recall having a need to turn the camera onto myself, not in a vain way, but mostly as a document or record of my feelings and state of being. In 2001-03, I had been immersed in the Saturn Return, undergoing a major spiritual transformation. I was searching for myself. I didn't know this at the time, but part of the whole reason why photography was introduced to me in 2001 was to serve as an instrument of healing. I get that now. As we all know, the road to healing is never a smooth one, but a journey well worth taking. I can say that now, because as i looked over these images, though taken eight years ago, it seems like a lifetime given my current perspective of peace, love and fearlessness.

Click any image to enlarge.

















6 comments:

johnlo said...

awesome set.. last is my favorite.

Morisset said...

thanks J! I appreciate the comment. i think thelast one (double-exposure) is my fav too!

EpiphanyNoir said...

I concur I love the last but my favorite continues to be "I Am"... As turning the camera inward can be some of the hardest photos to take they all represent some of your best work!

Sis said...

Nice. Every image captures a different emotion. kepp up the good work

Sis said...

I mean "keep"

DON HARRIS | PHOTOGRAPHER said...

WOW! Love the creativity in these self-portraits. All are gallery-worthy.