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.
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.
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.
