Self Portraits

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Like many photographers I am not keen on being the subject of my endeavours, but by taking self portraits you can at least be sure that you have a willing model and full control over their behaviour. However, it does pose some alternative problems, not least how you frame the subject when you are on the wrong side of the lens!

In these pictures I have experimented with styles that avoid the standard studio portrait format to produce images with both impact and intrigue.

By using my son as the "photographer", greatly enhancing the contrast and purposely defocussing some of the images I have made deliberate decisions as to how the images are captured and how they are processed afterwards.

Self portraits give a photographer the opportunity to present themselves in a way that they would like the public to see them - how you interpret these images is up to you.

To view a larger version of any of these images please click on the thumbnails.

The Matrix

All of these images were taken by my 2-year-old son as an exeriment in the random results possible. Although I continually changed my facial expressions I had no control over when the shutter was fired.

Graphic Artwork

Resembling an '80s album cover this posturised colour image is the closest I have achieved to a standard head-and-shoulders portrait.

Five O'clock Shadow

By using high contrast I have accentuated all of the facial features and defects. Not flattering, but very honest, unlike the photoshopped models in magazines.

Growing Up

A series of images morphing the facial features from William (my youngest son) through Thomas to myself.

Busy Day

An experiment with multiple exposures. If only it were that easy to clone myself!

The Eye

Reduced to a line drawing, this detailed image of my left eye shows the intricate patterns created by eyebrows and eyelashes.

Alien Head

Sillhouetted and defocussed - breaking many of the rules of portrait photography - but still recognisable as a person.

Disjointed

Obviously a photoshop construct, but a concept I have been meaning to try out for some time
This page was last updated 21-Dec-2009    

© Matt Botwood 2010