{in the picture} shake it out!

Hello friends. If you are playing along with my self-portrait project {In The Picture}, it's time for our monthly theme for April. I thought long and hard about this one and I'm still a little unsure about how it's going to go over with you, but here goes. Music plays a part in many of my self-portraits--whether it's a song playing in the background while I am shooting or a line from a song that inspires an image. So this probably won't be our only musically themed challenge this year.

I've been having a bit of a tough year, and I know I'm not the only one. Sometimes life is hard, and when times get tough it can help to run or scream or cry or laugh at the top of your lungs just to relieve some of the stress. So, during the month of April, as spring comes around the corner and things start to look a little bit brighter let's shake off the dark and dreary thoughts together!

Our theme this month is "shake it out!", influenced by the song of the same title by Florence & The Machine. Have you heard it? I find it's like an anthem for purging the negativity from my life. You can read the lyrics here if you are so inclined. And have a listen by clicking the image below, you'll be glad you did (but be sure to come back when you are done!)

OK so by now you may be saying, what the *$!^;*%^ is she talking about? Well, I am talking about taking self-portraits during the month of April that involve jumping, twirling, dancing, running, or doing anything else that this song inspires you to do. Just play the song, capture how it makes you feel and share it with us. Any kind of movement will do--get creative and set your shutter for a long exposure, run hog wild in an open field with your remote...this one is not about capturing the tiny details of you, but the emotion and movement of Shaking. It. Out.

Here are a few examples of what I mean...

OK, get it? I am going to shake it out this month and I could use your support so I am hoping you will join me. As Florence says in the song, "It's hard to dance with a devil on your back so shake him off!"

I know some of you are not going to like this theme, but I hope you will at least think about giving it a try. If this movement concept really frightens you please continue to play along this month with any self-portrait(s) you decide to take---just do whatever you are comfortable with. I can't wait to see what you all come up with!

Oh, and thanks for all your participation in our linky party last week. We have a WINNER from our giveaway---a spot in what looks to be a terrific new self-portrait eCourse, "Now You". And the winner is..... Bella Cirovic. Congratulations Bella! And hey, if you didn't win the course and want to take part, it's not too late to register here.

If you are new here you can join us at any time! Check out what you've missed so far over here.

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