Focus on Life: Black and White Self Portrait.

Seeing yourself as others see you - sort of. 

Our Minimalist prompt for this week from Sally Russick of The Studio Sublime, is to create a black and white self portrait. I am one of those people who are uncomfortable with photographs of myself. As I grow older, I seem to become unrecognizable. For some reason, though I am fine with my image in the mirror, I am often horrified to see myself in a picture. 

So...I got out some props, and tried to create a character, so the picture wouldn't be so much "me" and more a creation of mine. 

Given limited time to use the trial and error method needed for setting the timer, then taking a picture, here are some images of the Cherry Hat Lady. 

And here is one that is more like the real me. 

One thing that year two of Focus On Life has done for me is to encourage the use of my camera in ways that stretch my skills. Can't wait to see what next week will bring. 

In the meantime, let's see what the others have done. 

Focus on Life 2014: Minimalism

Week One: One subject photo

As much as I enjoyed last year's photo challenge, Focus on Life, organized by Sally Russick of The Studio Sublime, I think this year's project will be more challenging and more fun. This year, each month will have a theme - this month's theme is Minimalism, an art and photography concept that concentrates on the "bare minimum." 

This week, we were to choose one subject for our photo. 

I really wanted to capture a single icicle, but we didn't get the right weather until right at deadline. I'll be playing with that idea again, I'm sure. 

I didn't try for the spooky effect, it just happened.

For now, I'm presenting a little taste of what made New Year's Eve special. 

The most unusual angle I tried. 

Let's see what others have found.....