Sally, from The Studio Sublime, came up with a plan to complete 52 weeks of photos focusing on life. She put the plan out there and invited everyone to join her. She sends the prompt for the week and we post it on Saturday. I thought this was a good idea as I wanted to play more with my camera this year.
The first prompt and assignment almost made me change my mind. Self-Portrait. I loathe being in front of the camera. People tend to judge each other based on looks and I like blogging because I'm behind the computer screen and no one can see me. I like taking pictures so I don't have to be IN the pictures.
I seriously thought about not doing the challenge. After all, in my last post, I said I wanted to do more of what makes me feel good about myself, and taking a self portrait didn't fit in with that plan. But, I also want to get out of my comfort zone. Do things that aren't comfortable and don't come naturally. Stretch myself, grow, rediscover who I am. So, I'm in this, and this is me.
Not completely out from behind the camera (or the computer screen), but it's a step. Maybe just a baby step, but the stretching and growing won't happen when you're standing still.
Click here if you would like to see more self portraits from the challenge.
The first prompt and assignment almost made me change my mind. Self-Portrait. I loathe being in front of the camera. People tend to judge each other based on looks and I like blogging because I'm behind the computer screen and no one can see me. I like taking pictures so I don't have to be IN the pictures.
I seriously thought about not doing the challenge. After all, in my last post, I said I wanted to do more of what makes me feel good about myself, and taking a self portrait didn't fit in with that plan. But, I also want to get out of my comfort zone. Do things that aren't comfortable and don't come naturally. Stretch myself, grow, rediscover who I am. So, I'm in this, and this is me.
Not completely out from behind the camera (or the computer screen), but it's a step. Maybe just a baby step, but the stretching and growing won't happen when you're standing still.
Click here if you would like to see more self portraits from the challenge.
xo Annette xo
Nice one, Annette. I felt the same as you... big breath!
ReplyDeleteNow we can move on...
jenni
Hi Annette! Nice to see who's behind the lovely posts on this blog :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fun project and good for you to step out of your comfort zone!
have a terrific weekend,
Duni
As you read through the participants blogs, you'll see that many of us feel exactly the same way! Bravo to you for stepping outside your comfort zone! I can see that you have a beautiful smile!
ReplyDeleteI think it is lovely to be able to put a face to the blogger...thanks for being brave...it is a hard thing to do. Here's to the rest of the challenge. xxx
ReplyDeleteI'm not a real fan of being in front of the camera... It seems to pick up wrinkles I didn't know I had!
ReplyDeleteNice camera... & there is enough of you showing that I might recognize you if we met somewhere!
I love how you are peeking out from behind the camera. It's such a cute shot. It's also a great way to show what somany of us were feeling with this challenge. :)
ReplyDeleteYes..we are all in this together...sort of like having a first show that gets rained out and your tent falls down...you know it will always be better than that from here on out!! I think your self portrait is gorgeous, and you have a Mona Lisa smile!! Nice to meet you here too!
ReplyDeleteAnnette! You are right! Nothing happens if you stand still! I'm so glad you took the small step to the right, so we can see that beautiful face of yours! WOnderfuk self portrait!
ReplyDeleteI think allot of people wanted to jump ship and run when they saw the first prompt, i'm so glad everyone hung on!
I meant "wonderful self portrait"
ReplyDeleteWhat a great photo! I can just see a bit of your sweet smile. As I read through the blogs am realizing how many of us dislike having our photo taken. We are so hard on ourselves, aren't we?
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to seeing more photos in the coming weeks.
Cute photo of your first step out from behind the camera. I was just like you, but hey, we are showing that face to the world every day!
ReplyDeleteThat photo is so perfectly you - peeking out from behind the camera! You are a very creative photographer and taking the picture that way truly is worth a thousand words. I like what you said about not being able to grow when you are standing still. Well done, Annette!!
ReplyDeleteSmiling as I read your post...so true....I too must move!
ReplyDeleteIt's great to see you! I'm glad you decided to participate in the challenge and step outside your comfort zone :)
ReplyDeleteYou look wonderful and remember, baby steps! :)
ReplyDeleteYay!!! Love it. What a fab challenge too. I might join in once our computer is back & running. Good for you.
ReplyDeleteHope this comment goes thru...every time I try & comment from my phone, it never works.
Like you said, you aren't completely out from behind your camera but you are taking yourself outside of your comfort zone. Love this picture and you look gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteGreat picture, I know how you feel. Mine is cropped from bigger family photo....may have to take some good ones so I don't look so tired!!!
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to this year and to see how everyone grows.
I like your pic and the way you are grinning - great shot!! I think most of us would rather stay behind the camera if given the choice, but I'm glad everyone's joining in - it's gonna be a run ride!
ReplyDeleteloving that we have all been taken outside of our comfort zone and taken the dreaded selfie. such lovely photos.
ReplyDeleteNicole from http://instagrampad.wordpress.com
I can totally relate! I also loathe being the one in front of the camera! I don't have my photo in any of my profiles or avatars because I feel much younger than I look! Great self-portrait, though. Your shyness comes through. You should get extra credit for venturing way outside your comfort zone!!
ReplyDeleteHi Annette,
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you beautiful Lady!
Therese
It's a really cute photo and has a touch of playfulness to it.
ReplyDeleteHow interesting to find that most of the commentators suffer from "in-front-of-the-camera-phobia" . . . nice to know that I am not alone. :D
Good for you for stepping out of your comfort zone. Your self-portrait is beautiful! I hope you enjoy this challenge, I look forward to seeing what you post each week.
ReplyDeleteValerie
Everyday Inspired
wonderful photo! and you were braver than me - ha! I didn't step out from behind the camera :)
ReplyDeleteHey Girl, I know exactly how you feel, even my FB photo is behind the camera.
ReplyDeleteBut I agree with Anna, your photo is playful and I think translates what you are expressing very well, awesome shot, you truly are becoming an amazing photographer :)
Have a lovely Weekend, cheers, T.:)
So nice to meet you Annette! We are kindred spirits in the shielding of ourselves with our cameras. You may have taken just a step out from behind the camera, but I think the results are beautiful! =)
ReplyDeleteHi there Annette, just like most of us I too like being behind the camera lens! I am fighting a cold or would give it a try today. I do need to start using my camera again.
ReplyDeleteI think this was a big step for most of us but you did a great job and I love that you are smiling as you surface from behind the camera, well done!
ReplyDeleteGood for you for stepping out of your comfort zone! That is always so hard and its something that I'm constantly trying to do for myself. I am convinced as soon as you make baby steps you'll make even bigger ones!
ReplyDeleteGlad you didn't change your mind about the challenge-this is a great first baby step!
ReplyDeleteSo nice to see you! It's hard to step out of our comfort zone but we'll be better for it.
ReplyDeleteWhat's that about going out on a limb - its where the best fruit is. Ya know something to that effect. Beautiful shot, I see you. Good for you for keeping at it, baby steps count
ReplyDeleteHA! I took a few pictures just like this too in my pursuit of a perfect picture. Yours turned out so well!
ReplyDeleteCongrat Annette =)
ReplyDeleteYou succeed step out of your comfort zone. It's a good shot.
Annette, baby steps are the starting point of everything we do, aren't they? And your portrait is just lovely! :)
ReplyDeleteAnnette, beautiful photo and I am so glad this week is done too!!!
ReplyDeleteOh man we all felt the same. I would just as heck prefer to be behind the lens be behind the lens!!! You look awesome XOXO Happy New Year - we are certainly stretching ourselves. : )
ReplyDeleteI love this photo. Kinda cute and coy, playing with the camera. :) I kinda felt the same way when I learned about the hop and what the first prompt was, but I'm glad I went ahead with it. It's been wonderful putting faces with blogs! lol!
ReplyDeleteHi Annette! Just like you, I am happy that one is behind us! I knew it would probably come up at one point. I wish everyone could just be happy in their skin. Great picture of you anyway! Now take a deep breath!
ReplyDelete