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.