Self

It took me a great deal of strength to put this picture on here. It took great strength to even take it. I'm going to be a little bit vulnerable here and talk about self image.

The only form of photographic expression that you won't see much of from me, is ye olde self portrait.
I truly struggle to let myself be photographed. I tend to always feel gross. I don't know what to do with my face. I'm about as photogenic as a mosquito. Even if I do take a photo that I'm half happy with, I tend to get insecure about it before it ever gets the chance to see the light of day.

I don't think I'm the only one who struggles with this. In many a shoot, I've had girls (and guys!) constantly criticise their appearance in even the most stunning shots.
"My hair looks bad like that... Delete it? Ergh, you can see all the blemishes on my face! I look too fat! I look too thin! I look too pale, my eyes look weird..."

Sure, some photographs look a lot worse than others. Some photos should never see the light of day. But every single one of us should stop, and look at ourselves properly. Sure, there are little things that can frustrate the hell out of us, but what about the big picture? The overall image is wonderful. The less we worry about the little things, the more our natural beauty can radiate and come across in photographs. Christ himself said "love your neighbour as you love yourself". Most of us focus on the neighbour part, but it goes the other way. Love yourself like you love others. Don't be ashamed to think that you are wonderful.

So I encourage you all today, take a self portrait. No matter how difficult it may be. Look at it for a while (a little creepy, yes). Think to yourself, I am beautiful. I look great in this picture. This is me, and I am wonderful.

Take off the chains of insecurity, take a selfie, and love yourself.