The challenge this week was "Self" and I think it was a challenge for most of us. Most photographers I know only want to be behind the lens..never in front, which is ironic because we are afraid to do the very thing we want our clients to do and relax in front of the lens...I tried to savor that feeling of being the subject of my own camera so I I can remember how my clients must feel each and every time I point a big huge black box at them and say "just be yourself, just relax"...not an easy task.
Amy and I both chose to be with our cars...what does that tell you??? Not that we love our cars, but how much time we spend in them. I can't help thinking about the days when families only had one car and usually the husband took it to work...
This is what Amy had to say about hers: "Here are the only 2 that even half way came out of me in the car! Sometimes I feel like all I do is shuffle around, be it for me or the kids. No make up…just running!" I know she says they only 'half way came out' but I love how we can see three perspectives in this image. We can see Amy's view and then we can see 2 reflections of her...one in her rear view mirror and the one her kids see. I love a reflection photo when you can't see the camera.
So, I had a different idea than this, but HEB wouldn't let me borrow a grocery cart to bring home, so I had to face 2 fears in taking this photo. I HATE photos of myself and I HATE people looking at me...imagine the stares I got with my big old camera on a tri-pod and a big bright umbrella on a sunny day in the middle of the grocery store parking lot...lots of cars slowing down to see what I was doing. I felt nervous and self-conscious the entire time, but I did it.
I was hoping to show that even though I am a mom with a mini-van, I am not your typical 'mini-van mom'. I like my van, I love my family, I love taking care of them, I even like grocery shopping and cooking. I am involved in their activities and they are my first priority and always will be. But there is more to me than that...so much more.
I can't wait to see what the other ladies have done with their self portraits. Please play with us and link back to Melody or the talented levitating Megan
Very cool...on both! Lovin the "all I do is tote kids around"...uh...yea we do!! And Steph-I LOVE the dirty tires! All dressed up with somewhere to go, and have the "Bulverde dirty" to prove it!!
Posted by: Jen Taylor | March 26, 2010 at 08:18 AM
You guys did such a great job! Both shots are amazing and really pull the viewer in. And good for you, taking your own photo in a parking lot!
Posted by: Amy Jo | February 25, 2010 at 03:45 PM
I love this shot so very much. Wonderfully creative! And the two together are just great.
Posted by: Melissa G | February 25, 2010 at 12:52 PM
WHOA! That is an awesome photo, and even more awesome that you went for it right there in the middle it the parking lot. You are my hero!!! I love how "real" Amy's shot is too.
Posted by: Christina | February 25, 2010 at 12:01 PM
This is so great. Just the fact that you faced your "fear" of everyone staring at you proves that there is so much more to you!! Awesome! I love the seeing the munchkin in the van too! Nice work.
Posted by: thillysings | February 25, 2010 at 11:25 AM
I love that you were in the parking lot with the tripod and all. I have the same fear that people will think I am strange, I am but I don't want people to think that (LOL). Kudos to you for doing it!!!!!
Posted by: Cara | February 25, 2010 at 10:45 AM
oh my word! your shot is the BEST! I love how creative you were, and how you faced that fear. I'm not sure I could have done it. WOW! very cool! I am so impressed!
Posted by: Corey~ living and loving | February 25, 2010 at 09:51 AM
seriously, kudos to you on your parking lot escapades! i think it adds so much more to the shot that you & the cart are in a "natural" environment -- fantastic concept and execution! and rear view mirror shots are always great -- what a neat dip!
Posted by: megan | February 25, 2010 at 08:25 AM
oh yes...you are so brave! but it turned out so lovely...you are rockin' those cute green shoes!! and love how they both are with cars...as moms...our homes away from home:)
Posted by: noodle and lou | February 25, 2010 at 08:01 AM
I love that you really put yourself out there to get the shot you wanted. Very brave of you!! Both the shots you ladies did are great and reflecting of your life. Well done! :)
Posted by: Stacy | February 25, 2010 at 07:20 AM
Your shot is so awesome right down to those wonderful green shoes. :) And the reflection in the glass of the window is a neat capture. I totally love it. I completely understand about feeling like you're always driving around. That only really happens to me on weekends because I work full time and commute. But with kids you're always on the go one way or another.
Posted by: killlashandra | February 25, 2010 at 06:34 AM
Steph! You go! That's awesome. Very "Next Top Model".
Amy, love the double reflections and how one is focused and the other is not. And are you coming up to the highway?
Love that you both went for the car and how one is a close up and the other is farther back. Great job, team.
Posted by: MelodyA. | February 25, 2010 at 05:48 AM