Chameleon
By Miranda Adria
18 Dec 2008
I've been interested in art since I was a little girl. Photography became an interest later on in life when I was about 14 or 15. At first, I wanted to be a model. Plain and simple. However, I never thought I had the body for it. My Hispanic gene pool does not allow for skinny women in this family.
That didn't stop me from learning as much as I could about, not only photography, but different kinds of photography. I have always been most interested in fashion photography. I never really looked at the advertisements in magazines and thought, "Why can't I look like that?" I always though, "Man, I wish I'd taken that picture!" So I would ask my friends if they would be my models. After too many occasions where people changed plans or canceled on me, I decided to simply be my own model.
Sometimes, people say that I must be egotistical and narcissistic because I take so many self-portraits. However. that's nowhere near true. The plain and simple fact is that I can always rely on myself. If I want to execute an artistic idea, it's a rare occasion that I'll cancel on myself. If for some reason I can't do the shoot that day, I'm always available for a later date. In other words, it is more a matter of convenience than anything else. If I had a steady group of models at my disposal, I'd be taking a lot less photos of myself.
Still, I would be lying if I said that I don't enjoy taking pictures of myself. It hearkens back to my childhood fascination with dressing up and playing pretend. I see each photo I take as a new entity; a new aspect of my personality.
All of the images in this story were taken within the last 2 years. I do all my own make-up, lighting, and editing. I like to be in charge of the projects I set forth for myself. Self-portraits allow me the freedom to do whatever I please without having to consult anyone on how it should be done.
I'm not implying that my self-portraits are amazing or the absolute best in the world. I do think, though, that I've done a good job with the resources I have. My backyard and my bedroom window are my studios. My camera is a point and shoot that has become like an extra limb. My make-up products are "anything" and "everything" that works (or that happens to be available at the time).
My point in all this is that creativity should not be stifled or held back by anything. If you have an idea, carry it out... even if you have only yourself to depend on.
8 responses
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KY M................ said (18 Dec 2008):
To change your quote: your self-portraits are the most amazing and the absolute best in the world for someone who is self-taught and does her own makeup. Keep up the great images and I do hope that you are pursuing this in college! I love this essay, thanks for the inspiration!
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Spectre Photo gave props (18 Dec 2008):
Yes! You have a tremendous amount of talent. I love your work.
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Alex Velker gave props (19 Dec 2008):
Amazing photos!
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Skot Jolson said (19 Dec 2008):
absolutely great series here theres so much talent that you have i hope that you continue to follow your dreams
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s trott said (19 Dec 2008):
excellent essay. and your portraits are incredible, you have a chameleon quality that is fascinating!
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Viken Koundakjian gave props (23 Dec 2008):
i am blown away by the talent i see on this site, good job.
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Camille Steele said (26 Dec 2008):
I'm impressed with your work and encouraged by your truthfulness and artitic abilites. GREAT job here...
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Keith de Solla gave props (24 Jun 2009):
great work! the photos (and makeup) are incredible
