365? Really

 Forgive me Universe for I have sinned.  It's been 8 months since my last post.  I have started another 365 Self portrait project again, so i will be posting a select here.   The last one I did almost killed my passion for photography.  I think this one will reignite it, especially in the current climate where we all need as much stimulation as possible to stave off cabin fever.  So here is a catch up of the first 20 days.  Please forgive me.

Half way Through, nearly, well sort of…

Ok tomorrow will see me completely over the midway part of the project in terms of time, but there is still the matter of the missing pictures, namely 54, and 74.  I feel fairly sure that I did not miss them, and they are languishing somewhere on one of the various computers I use.  I like to think they have bunked off, and are having a furtive ciggie whilst sneaking a look around the edge of a long forgotten spreadsheet to look out for pesky users, i.e. me.  If I cannot track them down I will have to retake a couple more photos to fill the gaps.  So you pesky pictures, if you don’t want to be replaced then you had better show up hadn’t you.

‘What about the other missing images’ ,I optimistically hope to hear the audience cry.  Well they are not missing, but are in a state of self imposed censorship.  There is nothing illegal, or morally reprehensible about them, but they are of a nature that I would prefer them to remain private until such time that I am either rich enough not to worry about upsetting my employers, or I am just plain brave enough to cock a snoot to society and say, sometimes I look like this OK?

So here’s to another 182 days of me.  Hurrah!

This image from my 365 Self Portrait project was inspired by propaganda posters from the USSR.  I had in mind doing something akin to this with some friends, but I thought I would try it out myself first.  I really like this for a number of reasons.  Firstly,apart from re-sizing, and saving to a different format, it was all done in camera.  I really wanted to capture the blue sky and clouds, whilst keeping my face reasonable well exposed.  I had toyed with the idea of using some neutral density filters, but I wanted my face to be against the sky, so that wouldn't have really worked without some post processing work.  The technique I went with was to use the on-camera flash.I slightly raised the flash compensation hoping to win the battle with the sun.  The feel of the picture is one of a studio portrait against, or with a superimposed background with the subject, i.e. me, being almost outlined by a shadow.  Another reason I like this picture is that I'm not looking my best.  I love portraits, although not exclusively, that show something of the character of the subject, and not just a record of how well they scrub up.

I am definitely over the halfway mark numerically, although I am still missing a number 74, and still have today's contribution to create.  With 171 images still to create there is a long way to go.  Having a sometimes hectic family life, and bouts of self doubt makes it difficult to find the will to continue on occasion.  This is why there is often a glut on uploads after a period of nothing.Despite this not adhering to the accepted nature of this project I fully intend to have a complete portfolio of 365 self portraits by the time the new year has been rung in.

Out in the fields…

I like where we live and work.  It's not too rural so you have to drive a long way to get to civilisation, and yet close enough to the country side that you can get out and about away from the built up suburbs in a few minutes.  Since I got my new tripod for my birthday this year I have been out every lunch time bar a very few times, getting fresh air, and looking for opportunities to get my camera out.  Sometimes I come back with nothing, sometimes the results are a bit questionable, but the important thing is that I enjoy it.  It excites me, and I think that if your hobby's and interests still do that then it's all worth while.

Today I really needed to catch up on the self portrait project so headed out to the fields near my place of work.  As it was warm and the sun was still making an appearance it was refreshing not to have to wear a coat.  I decided on a straight, everyday portrait rather than one of my more wacky pieces.  I put the on camera flash on, and hoped for some catch lights in my eyes, and an even light over my face.  It's not the best portrait in the world of course, but it kind of reflects me, and my easy going, laid back demeanour.

Oh No! Not another 365 project?

Oh No! Not another 365 project?, a set on Flickr.

So against all my previous reservations I have decided to do one of those blasted 365 projects. Now let's just say to begin with. I haven't stuck with it. There have been a occasions even at this early stage where I have missed a day. This is usually because, well to be honest and truthful, I've been too tired to fight my laziness, and inertia to do one. I have, in my defence caught up the next day. Why am I doing it? Because it's there! Also I tend to need a goal to aim for, or a framework to adhere to. I want to do more photography. I see this is a way of feeding that hunger. Whilst I have not set a formal theme for this project, I do seem to have fallen into doing selfies. This is a rather dubious term that I always find hints at intimate self indulgence. Well perhaps self portraits fit that description. As with a lot of creative endeavors some days are easier than others for coming up with ideas, and then executing them. Some start with just a germ of an idea that may or not work such as the tequila bottle one, and others turn out pretty much as envisiaged, like the Alice Cooper homage. Some are obviously just straight forward, some reflect a mood for the day. I hope to keep it up for the whole year, although I'm sure people will get fed up with seeing my fizzog by about 31st Jan, I know I will! Here's to a year of exploring what I can do with my image. I welcome comments, critiques, ideas etc here and on my flickr stream. Don't worry, it'll soon be Christmas!