07 January 2010

you better get used to this mug...


...because you're going to see it at least once a week. That's right, fifty-two weeks of me. I've never been particularly camera shy, but I've never really been waving my hands to be front and center in the photos either. Which makes me wonder what it is exactly that I suddenly appreciate (I'm hesitant to use the word "like" here) about self-portraits. There are so many people who have inspired me to take more photos of myself. More people than I could ever even think to make a list of. But one of them in particular, this one, taught me that self-portraits, if nothing else, are therapy. You know, because we all need a little therapy sometimes.

In looking back at some of my self-portraits over the past couple of years, I have come to really see myself in a different light through photographs. A light that shows me what I really look like. What I project to the world. And, in turn, what is happening deep down inside that's making me project what I do (okay, that sentence made more sense in my head, but I'm sticking with it).

So, in short, I'm going to document myself (face, or not) for the next fifty two weeks. As best I can. Because, really, that's all I can ask.

4 comments:

  1. you know what? this is really inspiring, thank you. and I think it takes a whole lot of guts to start a project like this, it will be wonderful.

    I love leah's perspective on self portraits, and that's such an amazing set. again, inspiring. xo

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  2. Great post, Julia.
    You know-it's such a simple and seemingly transparent idea-take a photo of yourself every week-but there's so much more beneath the surface...
    I applaud you for taking it on. I'm looking forward to seeing you and hearing your thoughts on the process. I remember some of the first self portraits that I shared were (scary) but very liberating.
    Here's the first:
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/abbytrysagain/53885568/in/photostream/
    and I've since struggled with showing my face online. And what a silly way to be, right? I mean-I show it to complete strangers everyday and I can't share it with friends online? But it's hard...
    I look forward to seeing what 2010 brings for you, my dear.
    Hugs and a happy weekend to you!

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  3. Wow, what an amazing idea! I can't wait to see the photos!

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  4. Interesting project. Therapy...hmmm...I never thought of self-portraiture in this way. A look at what we project to the world. Very thought provoking.

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