Something I often struggle with as a Photographer, is getting photos of myself and the planets rarely align for it to naturally happen. This feels unfair for all those who step in front of my lens. And how else are you meant to trust a photographer who won't take their own photo!

This has been the catalyst to challenging myself to one portrait a month. 

Now, I know We’re in March and you're probably thinking it's a bit of a late start, However it's only in this month that I've realised (and accepted the) opportunity of bringing comfort to those who are camera shy and content. Below I will go into more detail of each shot and of course Show off my new photos from the first shoot.

January

For context I have been toying around with this challenge idea for awhile but didn't really have the motivation to start. Then, I started working on Gemporia's March issue of Gemology, where I was tasked with photographing the ladies around the office for international women's day. Now I'm a firm believer that you shouldn't ask others to do something you wouldn't be willing to do yourself. Can you see where this is going…

Fran ( my very talented Co-Gemporia photographer) and I picked a day and bravely stepped in front of the camera.

The brief for this was simple: a pink background in a studio setup, with casual, natural posing and an outfit theme of black and white.

I enjoy this style of shoot, simply for how unserious it is. It’s not every day that you get to walk into a studio and spend your time being made to laugh or making other people laugh. It really takes the pressure off everyone in the room, providing room for comfort and great photography. The relaxed energy allows for genuine moments to unfold, bringing out the best in both the photographer and the subjects. It’s a refreshing change from more structured shoots, where the atmosphere can sometimes feel rigid or overly controlled.

Personally the most difficult part of this shoot was finding an outfit that fits the brief. Unless it's jeans and a hoody I’m usually dressed head to toe in colour. But the real difficulty came from editing my own photos, just like everyone else I have my own insecurities. However, for anyone who comes into the studio there is one rule I use for retouching: Everyone gets the same treatment. I will happily remove cuts, dry skin,  blemishes, tired undereye and stray hairs but scars, freckles, moles and your shape will not be touched. These are the things that make you look like you and in turn make you beautiful and if it’s permanent it stays.

I’m no different and while this makes editing my own photos difficult, Over the years it has really helped with my own confidence and I can honestly say that I’ve never looked back at a self portrait a year or two later and picked at all my insecurities, if anything I've loved the reminder of how I looked at a certain age.

Which leads me into one of the reasons why I’m really excited about this challenge. This summer I will be undergoing a small transformation and donated a minimum of 30cm of my hair to the Little Princess Trust. I will be able to document hair growth from now till then to help push my fundraising and hopefully get myself excited about having a big hair cut (I’m a little nervous at the moment).