One thing I knew when I thought about doing a self portrait was that I wanted to do something that had to do with my mom. She died when I was three and people that knew her always tell me how they can't get over how much I look like her. I wanted to see if I could capture that in a self portrait and this is what I came up with. A lot of things suck about growing up without your mom, but one thing that always bummbed me out, as strange as it may be, is that I didn't get to walk around with her and show off how much I look like her. That hardly expains the feeling but it's the best I can do. Anyway, here is my mother, daughter self portrait. Whats also cool about this picture is my five-year-old neice took it! Thanks Ada! I'm so proud of her! :)
The lighting is great. Nice and simple. I like the exprestion on your face. To me it is a look of longing. Nice job.
ReplyDeleteMarie, this is such a great pic--but then the story with it made me like it even more. You captured it all so well, and you can definitely see how much you look like her. I am constantly called by my mom's name and told how much I look like her, so I understand how you would miss sharing that with her because I love having that bond with my mom. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteBe thankful you have a picture of her to compare to. My dad died when I was ten years old, but I hadn't seen him since the last summer I spent with him, three years before that. Sad to say, there are very few pictures of him and I don't possess any. Sometimes I ache so bad for him, and when that happens, I close my eyes and "will" his face into my mind. I remember thinking I had the most handsome, kind daddy in the world. It was difficult growing up because I don't look like my siblings or my mother nor am I built like them. I never quite felt like I fit in; I mean, I did, but didn't. I met my dad's sister for the first time a couple of years ago. She couldn't even greet me properly because she was sobbing over and over again "oh my gosh, you look just like him. You look just like him." It was like coming home, knowing I look like someone and knowing that someone's heart is full because she sees him in me. I have his eyes, she says, and so does my Cameron. I have his build and his quick, easy smile. One dimple in my cheek, just like him. Anyway, words can never express the void that has been filled by just "knowing" he's with me all of the time and he's literally a part of me. She told me just to look in the mirror if I ever forgot what he looked like. She also told me that his dying thoughts were of us kids. Goes a long way towards healing hurt when I thought he'd forgotten all about me. Thanks for sharing this very intimate portrait.
ReplyDeleteI really like this pic, It does a wonderful job of conveying a true sense of emotion. I think you had a great idea and executed it very well.
ReplyDeleteOh, Marie... sigh... the wistfulness in your face "says it all," but the explanation behind it brings me to tears. This photo is so effective - from the way you have cradled the photo in your arms, to the reflections in your eyes that convey such powerful emotion. FANTASTIC shot - and thank you for being brave enough to share with us all!
ReplyDeleteSimply Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this picture, and personal thoughts. You really do look like her! My favorite so far Good job!
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone for you your comments! I am floored, humbled and honored by them! Thank you! With every new week and new theme I'm finding more and more reasons to LOVE photography! Thanks for this great blog idea Steff!
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