For so long, my camera pointed outwards, capturing the beauty of the vibrant Madison landscape, the joy of families, the fleeting moments of street life. But what about me? The woman behind the lens, navigating her own complexities.
Then, self-portraiture entered my life, not as a vanity project, but as a raw, vulnerable dance between myself and the lens. In the intimacy of my home during the hard summer months of 2020, stripped bare of makeup and masks, I began to confront who I truly was.
It wasn’t always easy. Some sessions were tear-stained journeys into past hurts, others whispered affirmations of self-love. But each click, each captured image, became a brushstroke on the canvas of my soul. Each and every session was cathartic.
Through light and shadow, I have explored my strengths and vulnerabilities, my fears and dreams. I donned playful costumes, channeled emotions through movement, and discovered a kaleidoscope of emotions swirling within.
Today, my self-portraits are more than photographs; they’re testaments to resilience, mirrors reflecting growth and acceptance. They’re whispers of healing, shared not just with myself, but with the women in my community who might find solace in this journey of self-discovery.
I’ve held numerous conversations with women in my life, sharing about this form of photography that lights and fills my soul with a flame. This change terrifies me but I need to take the step. If you’re a Madison-area woman yearning to embark on your own self-portrait exploration, I invite you to reach out. As a portrait photographer, I offer a safe, supportive space where you can shed your masks, embrace your vulnerabilities, and paint your own story with light.
Remember, beauty isn’t always found in flawless features; it blooms in the cracks, in the stories etched on our faces, in the courage to bare our souls. Let’s celebrate the mosaic of women we are, one self-portrait at a time.
P.S. Share this with a woman who might be inspired by this journey! ✨
