CHICAGO WEDDING & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

Tag: SELF PORTRAIT ART

  • Self-Portrait Artist Chicago | Inspiration & Creative Process

    Self-Portrait Artist Chicago | Inspiration & Creative Process

    A Little Self-Portrait Inspiration

    Finding my voice as a self-portrait artist in Chicago often means coming face-to-face with the parts of myself I’d rather hide. To be honest, lately, I feel like a broken record. I’ve exhausted myself with the self-help and the self-expansion; I didn’t know such a thing existed, but I guess there can always be too much of anything, even if it’s good. Maybe the best thing is simply acceptance.

    I’m sorry if I treat this little space a bit like a journal, but it’s just the type of person I am. It’s been two years since my divorce. I was married at 21 and divorced by 31. I didn’t plan any of it. However, in that unplanned space, I’ve had to look at who I really am. I am selfish and I hurt others. I am human and I can be kind and loving—in fact, I know I do a great job loving my children.

    A woman in a black long-sleeve top and denim overalls standing against a textured white wall. Self-portrait artist Chicago

    My Journey as a Self-Portrait Artist in Chicago

    I have learned so much these last two years, and I’m glad that my curiosity will always keep me wanting to learn. I made a lot of mistakes too, some so painful that it would make the bravest soul hide in a cave for a lifetime, but I survived and will keep on surviving. Consequently, the things I’ve learned I won’t repeat. Or maybe I will repeat them and just keep learning.

    I love being reminded of my humanity; it’s a reason why I love this job. I work with beautiful people and all kinds of family dynamics. Specifically, I get to capture the rawness of new life and the start of joint decisions and love. Humanity. At least the little moments that make up our daily lives.

    A woman with long dark hair and a nose ring, standing against a light-colored wall. She has her eyes closed, with some hair falling across her face. Self-portrait artist Chicago
    A young woman with long, dark hair wearing a black turtleneck and denim overalls, standing in front of a plain light-colored wall. Self-portrait artist Chicago
    A woman with long hair is looking away, wearing a black turtleneck and denim overalls, set against a light-colored wall. Self-portrait artist Chicago
    A woman with long hair wearing a black turtleneck and denim overalls stands against a light-colored wall, gazing to the side. Self-portrait artist Chicago

    Ultimately, I hope that at least once this year you get to admire photographs that celebrate your humanity. Images that truly reflect you. I hope that you are kind to yourself, and I hope that you choose forgiveness and growth. I hope you choose love and yourself, always.

    A woman stands in a garden surrounded by flowers and greenery, wearing a black dress and a long-sleeved top, smiling as she holds a phone to her ear. Self-portrait artist Chicago
    A woman in a denim overall dress stands outdoors, smiling and posing playfully with one hand in her hair, surrounded by greenery and plants. Self-portrait artist Chicago
    A woman standing among greenery and flowers, looking thoughtfully into the distance.
    A blurred image of a person sitting on an orange bench surrounded by colorful flowers and greenery.
    A young woman sitting amidst purple flowers and greenery, partially covering her face with her hand, with a colorful wooden bench in the background.
    A woman sitting on a wooden bench surrounded by blooming purple flowers, wearing a black top and denim overalls.
    A young woman lying on a wooden surface surrounded by purple flowers, gazing thoughtfully with her hand resting on her face.