With the importance of social media in our lives, some things that were not that big of a deal when I was a teenager now are for my own daughters.
Things like self-portraits that morphed into selfies. Because I need to say it: these are not the same and interchangeable. Nope.
But what’s the difference?
A self-portrait is a representation of yourself, taken by yourself.
A selfie is the same but is meant to be shared publicly. That’s where the difference lies. All selfies are self-portraits, but not all self-portraits will become a selfie.
Self-portraiture as a confidence builder
I have always been obsessed with photography. When I was a teenager (pre-teen, even), I used to take a lot of pictures, of everything and anything.
Then, with my girlfriends, we had fun taking self-portraits of ourselves. It was always thrilling to take them and having to wait for them to be developed to see how they turned out. I actually miss using an argentic camera but that is another story… I cherish these photos not because I think I was prettier then blablabla, but because they remind me of the moment of shared friendship, of the laughter that happened.
As I grew older and my life changed, I now use self-portraits to stop time. I capture who I am at a very precise moment.
Sometimes, I just feel like “grab you phone, now, don’t stage anything and snap a picture”. Does it happen to you too?).
Self-portraits do not have to show your face. I often capture part of myself, not the wholeness of it.
For example, I have several photos of my collar bone. Why? Because it is one of my most intense trigger point for my fibromyalgia. When it starts to burn, I know it announces the beginning of a flare-up.
I also take photos of the parts of me that need more love. I do it to help me accept my body for what it is.
This practice is one of my go-to healing rituals.
Self-portraiture is a form of art
Self-portraiture is a form of photography.
Intention is very important when I take a self-portrait. I edit them with care, using filters and stuff that will convey the emotion.
Some will be shared publicly but most will stay private. Just for me. And I edit them just the same, whereas they are self-portraits or selfies. Because I do it for me, not for people to see.
When working on something by using self-portraiture, I go several ways…
- I use my phone. When I do that, I set up a timer, put it on self-portrait mode so I can see myself, and go to town. Then I will play within different apps to apply filters and use a juxtaposition of symbols and texture.
- I use an instant camera. I have an obsession (yes, one more!) for instant cameras. I have several of them, most from Fujifilm and one is a vintage Polaroid that belonged to my Grand-Father and had the chance to inherit (and it still works even though the photos come out… strange). Using it is trickier than using my phone but so much fun! I had happy accidents with them but would love to learn how to use them better…
⭐️What about you? Are you a selfie addict? What is your go-to ritual to feel better about yourself or to freeze a moment in time?
I actually realised as I was reading this I still have massive resistance to pictures of me. Last year when my FIL died I stopped deleting photos of me and left them, knowing that one day my kids may want them. I stopped saying no to photos but I don’t like to see them and wouldn’t share them. Work to be done there I think. I read your post and my emotional response was really big to it so thank you for the thought provoking.
I totally understand the resistance, you are not alone doing that. Do you know what changed my mind when I see pictures of me I hate? I tell myself “but my daughters will be happy to have pictures of me once they’re not living with us anymore or once I am dead”, it was like an instant shift in my heart.
I sometimes wish I had a Polaroid type camera. There’s just such a different vibe from them. I sometimes miss using a film camera. I left mine behind when I escaped my marriage. It was nothing fancy. But I liked it all the same. I miss the surprises at seeing what was developed.
I don’t take selfies/self portraits often. I rarely even allow myself to be photographed. I don’t like what I see. I feel unworthy of being captured on film or otherwise. I guess that’s the best way to explain it.
You’ve given me a new perspective to think about though. Thank you!
Polaroid started making instant cameras again (https://amzn.to/2LsmavE) 😀 It does not need to be fancy to be cherished, I am sorry you had to left it behind. At the beginning of this journey, I hated what I was seeing, and I still often do. But I know the more intense the resistance is, the most love these parts of me need.
You are enough Lisa. You are worth being captured on camera.
I take a lot of self portraits and selfies, not many make it out for public viewing. I take lots for painting from, I got a bit fed up with painting younger, prettier faces and perfect body shapes so I just started using my own face/body as a guide. It has been a really positive experience for me in terms of body acceptance.
oooh yes! When I was browsing my folders to find pictures to illustrate this blog post, I came across reference photos I took of myself for paintings 😀 I am so happy this process helped/helps you as well.
I think you’ve peaked my interest. I may try this a bit and see if it helps me with the self love. Thanks for the ideas!! <3
It is an other way to be creative 😀
I love taking selfies to ‘freeze time’ the way you do. I’m not as artful about them – just snap a pic, turn on a black and white filter (I’m obsessed with black and white as a way to capture my own image) and go, but I do have the intention of documenting a moment.
I can often remember what I was thinking or feeling in the moment I took the image, which is why I find it so useful.
You’re definitely *not* a narcissist. <3
Black & White is fascinating, I love playing with it too. I wonder: why do you prefer it when it comes to your portrait?
And yes: I also remember the thoughts and emotions behind the self-portraits.
I like taking selfies too, especially silly ones. Most don’t get shared though. I love taking pictures too like you do.
What a good idea to just take a picture for the moment, thank you! Also taking pictures of parts of the body that need love is a great idea.
I don’t miss film and waiting to see what I took. I like my cell phone pictures so I can see instantly and if I don’t like it, take another. On my other phone I had better filters.
What kind of phone are you using? I have an android, an old one. I will be getting a new one soon and am wondering if I want to switch to an iPhone. Maybe I’ll take a survey.
I take pictures of my kids all the time, but when I take selfies, I often delete them. My photos don’t look how I look in my mind’s eye and I find that disturbing. Occasionally I see a photo that does look like “me” but I don’t know what’s different about it. I don’t know how to recreate it. Lately, I’ve been thinking people who often put themselves in front of a lens are better at getting authentic photos, so maybe I should practice more. After all, it’s digital…unlimited and free.
You know, that is something I learned to talk about with my tight support circle. I am not ashamed anymore to say out loud “see this picture, I know this is me. But this is not me”. That disconnection is real, and we are not crazy for feeling it (trust me: I thought I was totally nuts because of this).
The more pictures of you you take, the more you will find yourself again, or where the disconnection is rooted. I really hope you will give it a try <3