“It is one thing to photograph people. It is another to make others care about them by revealing the core of their humanness.”
— Paul Strand
I’ve been really getting into photography lately. I suppose you could call it my new niche. Any time I’m behind the camera — or, more recently, in front of it — I feel excitedly overwhelmed with all of the artistic possibilities that could come out of my “work.” I love freezing moments in time to my liking, to my memory. I enjoy the sensation I feel when I get that perfect shot, when I manage to make an ordinary day extraordinary.
But I try to shy away from having this be a serious “thing” (hence, the quotations). I fear that if I label myself a “photographer,” it’ll dwindle my lust & commitment to it. I don’t want this lovely side project to be lost within my own perfectionism like most other things I’ve endeavored in. I have no desire to make a living out of being a photographer or to become a master at it. I just want to be, & in being, I simply want to take pictures.
This little hobby of mine has been taking off organically through my Project 365. There are some days where I have no motivation — or nothing new — to photograph, & those days end up being accurately depicted by less-than-intriguing pictures of my dinner. But on the days where I feel inspired & confident in my craft — the days where I’m actually paying attention to how fascinating this world is — I find myself compelled to capture those moments permanently with my camera. Usually, with that effort, the results surprise even me.
Throughout these 200+ days of my project 365, I’ve gotten an idea of my strengths & weaknesses, & I’m always trying to push myself to be a little more creative everyday. I want to try new things, perfect certain poses & angles. I want the picture to do the speaking without my having to explain anything. I’ve gotten pretty good at landscape shots; capturing the sky & fluffy white clouds will always be a favorite of mine, too.
Lately, though, I’ve been experimenting in portraits. Quite specifically, artful nude portraits of myself.
When I told Jonathan that I wanted to take artful nude photographs — which entails tasteful, elegant, & sometimes abstract depictions of the human body — he was very surprised. (I’m the girl that still covers up her naked body in the presence of her husband, after all.) But he was also quite curious. He asked me why I wanted to take these pictures; what my motive was. I told him that I had always found artful nude photography gorgeous, & I’ve always admired the people who took the plunge to do it. I told him that I wanted to test my own picture-taking skills — to experiment & get to know my camera — while combining my intrigue for artful nude photography, & who better to practice on than with myself?
As for my motive… I couldn’t really say that I have a specific motive. But I have gained an abundance of pride for being brave enough to do this. & it is because of that pride that I want to reveal my “work” to others. Perhaps to inspire, but hopefully to bring a bit of beauty into the world. To create art & not have it be seen by anyone else’s eyes is the loneliest outcome for any form of creative expression. The world needs more beauty; why would anyone ever want to deprive the world of that? I get immense joy & satisfaction knowing that my art is being appreciated, & my photography is no different.
So, I’d like to share it with you.
Please know that by showing these pictures, I am in no way trying to flaunt or exploit my body. I’m not trying arouse anyone, nor am I trying to be boastful or publicize myself in a way that will cause a ruckus. I’m only showcasing my art. No more or less than that.
I don’t particularly know if this would be deemed as “safe for work,” though I don’t see why not. The pictures I’ve taken are 100% tasteful. There are no “bits” showing or lewd positions. Just skin. Pure, unadulterated skin.
All of these pictures were taken by me with the help of my tripod & remote, which can be a little tricky. Trying to keep the poses natural while simultaneously trying to hide the remote isn’t particularly easy. Jonathan has offered to help me, but I stubbornly want to do this all on my own.
I am quite proud of these pictures. Just by delving into this little project, by taking these very intimate photographs of myself, I’ve seen just how pretty my body can be. When I look at these pictures, I don’t see cellulite or fat-folds or skin discoloration. I see a gorgeous female with a natural, delicate body. Seeing those things makes me appreciate & love me more.
I’m sure that these photographs will make some people question my integrity; namely my family, who openly read this blog. But part of me is deciding not to care. I think that nudity (not THIS kind of nudity, mind you) is taken too seriously in America, & I desperately want to destroy all of the taboos surrounding it… for my sake.
I happen to think that this is a one great way to do so.