When we create a work of art, we put a little piece of ourselves out in the world. Creation is expression of self; a reflection of self. As photographers, we often capture reflections of ourselves without intending to. Here is one such case for me… I loved the texture of the door and lock in this empty old theater in Astoria, Oregon. In the first image I captured, I was reflected in the door window. I noticed and moved to get another shot without my reflection, but in the end, it was the one with my reflected silhouette I liked best.
When I saw the image, it was a visual reminder that we are reflected in our work. The way we see the world, the things we choose to photograph, even the way we frame them are unique to us. Over time, we create a body of work that is an expression of who we are. We can also see our change and growth over time. It’s pretty darn cool to have that epiphany and discover yourself in your artwork.
I don’t know what my love of capturing old textured buildings and door locks says about me, but I know it does reflect a part of me. Maybe some day I’ll figure out what exactly that part is trying to say.
July 24, 2012 2:19 pm
I think it says that you are a woman of many layers!
July 24, 2012 5:56 pm
Ha! I love that Lisa!
July 24, 2012 3:21 pm
Love this reflection.
July 24, 2012 4:32 pm
I really like this photo with you in the picture. Peeling paint and old metal locks draw my eye too. They say so much about layers of history.
July 24, 2012 6:22 pm
I love your thoughts on how our photography reflects us! Wonderful post to go along with the {in the picture} theme! I love old buildings with paint peeling and old door locks, I have such a curiosity about all the things that have happened in these old buildings and all the people who have entered those doors!!
July 25, 2012 11:33 am
Yes, I like this thought that a piece of ourself is reflected in each shot – whether that is figuratively or metaphorically. We are always there, in the image.