Self Portraits is a theme we traditionally cover every year; and it's one that comes with equal measures of dread and excitement. We aren't accustomed to being the subject in an image, even if we are still the artist creating. To be both muse and artist is a bit tricky.
Someone who does it beautifully is Shannon Douglas. That's why we want to take a minute to shine the spotlight on her this month. Here is what she had to share.
Tell us about your photography journey...
My first memories of photography are from when I was little and decided to enter some photographs into the county fair, so on some level photography has been in my life from the beginning. I learned the basic rules and how to develop film in my high school journalism class but again it wasn't a prominent part of my life. It wasn't until after my husband deployed for the second time that I dedicated time every day to photography. Part of my why was to document our baby's firsts for my husband while he was away. Self portraiture became a focus then when I realized if I didn't figure out how to be in pictures my kids wouldn't have any pictures with either of their parents that year so I learned how to use a tripod and timer! Now, Self Portraiture has become my favorite. It helps me see myself as an actual person, not just as a wife and mother.
Tell us a bit about your style...
My style varies. For my daily documentary work I aim to keep everything as true to the moment as possible. For my self portraiture though, I do whatever I feel like in the moment! I use a lot of deep shadows to highlight certain features or draw attention to the subject. Emotions play a huge role in my work and I hope that it resonated with my audience.
What gear do you use?
I shoot with a Sony A7iii and a Vanguard tripod when I do self portraiture. My Sony has a built in intervalometer and even though there is an app, I still use the good ole laundry basket trick to focus!
What's your go to lens and why?
For daily life I almost always use my Sony 24mm 1.4. Its as sharp as a tack and can handle the constant low light of the PNW and now Bavarian winters. It works great for my Self Portraits too because its so wide and I now have a more limited amount of space to shoot in.
Who and what inspires you?
My dear friend April Vargas is a HUGE inspiration. She always is there to help me work through any emotions, technical difficulties, or just push me when I need it. The Dutch Golden Age painting style fascinates me with its use of light and shadows and I try to incorporate it into my work.
What tips do you have for shooting self portraits?
Just get in the frame! Whatever that looks like to you, maybe handing off the camera to your partner or setting up a tripod, just do it and keep doing it. When you go to edit your images, look at yourself as you would a friend. You wouldn't fixate on a friend's wrinkles or love handles so don't do it to yours either. I've learned a lot about self love from the other side of the lens and it is truly such a gift that I wish every woman could experience.
What self portrait are you most proud of and/or love the most and why?
I think the image I am most proud of is the one I took in the middle of yet another miscarriage. It's not a stellar image but in the moment I needed some way to document not only my baby's life but also to help digest what was happening to me. I am proud that I had the sense of mind to set my tripod up and to let the world in on such a private pain that affects so many women. Self portraiture has become a way for me to work through emotions and learn more about who I am. Self portraiture is not about seeking attention or affirmation. For me it is an art form to express my emotions and connect with others.
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