1. Was there ever a time when you couldn't imagine taking self-portraits or have you always been comfortable in front of the camera? Do you remember when the self-portrait "bug" bit you?
Most of my life I couldn’t imagine taking a self-portrait to be honest! I’ve never felt particularly at ease in front of the camera but through self-portraiture I’ve learned to become comfortable in my own skin and not so critical of myself. I suppose the “bug” first hit me when I stumbled across some of the self-portrait groups on flickr. I was really intrigued by how one would actually go about taking ones photo and get them to look as cool as what I was seeing. I started paying attention to lighting, angles, and poses and began trying it myself learning as I went along. It’s still that way. :)
2. Your self-portraits are sometimes whimsical, sometimes magical, sometimes mysterious,sometimes all three of these things! How much planning goes into your shots--the setting, your clothing, props, etc.? Where does your inspiration come from?
Well, last year when I was doing a 365 I didn’t have too much time to plan and try out particular shots so everything was simpler and I used pops of color to make my photos more interesting. Now that I’ve got the time I’m really enjoying planning my shots out more and thinking about the angles and how I want the final image to look. I find most of my inspiration comes from nature and reflections of days gone by. I love a vintage feel and prefer to shoot on location in natural light.
3. Do you have a favorite self-portrait or series of self-portraits?
Actually my favorites change all the time. Is that bad? I think right now I really like “in the deep end”. It was one of those where all of a sudden it clicks and you know exactly how you want your final image to look. I also love “little bird”. It was an outtake actually but finished it’s so textured and lovely it seems like it could be an ancient painting.
4. Do you feel that you have discovered anything new about yourself through your self-portraiture?
I’ve learned to see myself as a part of a whole image, got to try on different characters and learned how much I love photography. It’s allowed me to remember how important it is to have a creative outlet in your life.
5. Do you have any advice for someone just starting out on a journey of self-portraiture?
Well, if you’re shy like me then trust me; this will be so good for you! Selfies don’t have to be headshots. They can be lovely simple images of your hands or feet. Whatever you are comfortable with. I’ve taken so many selfies with my head out of frame it’s become a known and favored style of mine. You’ll find all this so much easier with a tripod and a remote. There’s no way I could’ve done some of my images without them. Those along with your camera are the three tools you’ll want to make self-portraiture your game.
Elle Hanley is a fine art photographer who lives and works in Seattle, Washington. Her work can be seen on flickr where she is known as Lady Miss Elle and on her website. She also blogs at Elle Hanley Photography. Thank you Elle for taking the time to share a bit more about yourself with us today--your work has inspired me in so many ways and I am sure my readers here will feel the same way!
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Hey all ~ don't forget to stop back here on Friday, March 30 for our next self-portrait linky party! I can't wait to see you {In The Picture}.
<div align="center"><a href="http://www.urbanmuser.com/p/in-picture.html" title="In The Picture"><img src="http://i910.photobucket.com/albums/ac306/gibknitty/inthepicture.jpg" alt="In The Picture" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
18 comments:
Amazing self portraits. As someone who doesn't like to get infront of a camera these are a big inspiration.
Wow! Such masterful portraits!! They are all beautiful!
Nice meeting her too!
Hugs
SueAnn
Hello Elle,
Nice to meet you here!
Now I am a huge fan of yours, as I adore your creative and evocative photographs.Thank you for sharing yourself with us here, and being such an inspiration.
Wow! These are fantastic!
Inspiring, indeed, U.M...
can't wait to check out more of Ms. H.'s work...
so very nice...
Amazing photography and self portraits! She reminds me of Brooke Shaden. Thanks for sharing her work. I am now a new fan :D
thank you so much Christy for your interest in my work and for this interview. it is so wonderful to be included along with the other amazing self-portraiture artists you've featured. and a heartfelt thanks to those who have commented too~
thanks so much!
Elle
Lovely photos and so much information. Thanks Christy.
These are some of the most imaginative photos I have ever seen. I cannot imagine how Elle sets up her camera to take these shots.
Every single shot is breathtaking. This interview is really an inspirations. Thank you to both of you!
Elle's images are just gorgeous!
Thank you for sharing this here.
Sending you wishes for a wonderful weekend!
what a great interview! Thanks, Christy, for the introduction!! Really beautiful & inspirational stuff.
Love this. Thanks for introducing Elle. And she's here in my town!
Beautiful images and a very informative posts. Elle gives me inspiration! Thanks for posting these great interviews!
Wow, such amazing self-portraits, and such interesting reflections.
Such beautiful works of art - and fascinating to find out about the inspiration behind them.
gorgeous photos and interesting interview
a wonderful interview and...wow...just amazing self-portraits. they are stunning and evocative. what a pleasure to spend these moments here with my cup of tea...
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