I love film. And I particularly love instant film. I think most of you know that already. But you might not know that I’ve been working a great deal on honing my skills and creativity around shooting self-portraits on film. I’ve been working on self-portraits (in general) for about two years, and I’ve been shooting instant film for more than a few years. Over the past 11 months or so, I have started to see these two parts of my photography come together. And I’m loving it. It’s quite a challenge, but rich with reward.
As I looked through the Mortal Muse Film Friday Flickr group to find your photos of YOU that you shot on film (any type of film), I came to a stark realization. There are VERY FEW. When I got to the Flickr group and searched “self” within the group, I mostly came up with my own photographs! Hmmm….I wonder why this is. Maybe it’s that shooting self-portraits is a vulnerable task, particularly for many photographers who are used to aiming the lens at other people. Or maybe it’s that shooting film can be expensive, and perhaps risking it on a self-portrait feels too pricey. Or maybe it’s the fear of not being able to edit a self-portrait on film and that feels too vulnerable. Maybe a combination of all of these. I’m not sure. But I want to really encourage you film shooters to give it a go. Take the risk. Try something new.
To encourage you, here are a few film selfies I did find in the pool. From VeronicaMo…
From Zeb Andrews…
And from n.white1…
These are lovely self-portraits all shot with film. I’d love to see more on the Flickr pool (hint, hint!). And if you’ve shot some that aren’t in the pool, share a link to them here in the comments and add them to the group.
Meghan of Life Refocused
Just added a couple to the pool. For me I think it’s that I do feel like it takes more time and planning to do selfies on film cause there isn’t really a do over. But Polaroid is going to be part of my self portrait project this year. What are your top tips youve learned with Polaroid? Here are a couple links.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/katlightner/7181647667/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/katlightner/7366875148/
Thanks for adding some to the pool, Katherine!! My tips for selfies with Polaroid — PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!
I always use film but I rarely take selfies, I’ve always been a bit scared of them, perhaps I should try harder 🙂
I would love to see your film selfies, Rhianne!!
Something I’ve been meaning to do and have been avoiding it. Thanks for the push, Meghan!
Can’t wait to see what you shoot, Alison!
these are all beautiful and i love that lead image.
i know for me there are a couple of reasons i haven’t tackled sps on fim. i’ve developed a system for digital self-portraits (remote + burst shooting) that doesn’t translate well to my very bare bones film cameras, and my polaroids don’t have a self-timer. i have shot the occasional end of roll in the mirror shot, though, and I’ll post one of those.
Thanks for your thoughts, Debbie. There are remote shutter releases for some Polaroids and that is what I use.
Hi Meghan, I’ve taken one sp with a film camera, your post inspired me to scan and upload it http://www.flickr.com/photos/rslaflam/8392709976/ My SX-70 came with a remote that I will have to experiment with, these shots and Katherine’s are simply marvelous!
What do you use to scan your images? And what are the best practices used when scanning? Mine scan at a very low quality and very cool and when I try to warm them up to look more like the original the white border turns yellow as well. This is probably subject matter for another blog post.
loved this piece Meghan!!!! and i have done plenty of selfies with my digital cameras and i know i have learned a lot about shooting and myself. but i haven’t tried with film. one reason is that none of my polaroids have a self timer (but i will try one in the mirror!!!) and i don’t have the gadgetry for my hasselblad or canon (hmmm, maybe i do for that one)–but i will work on that!!!! you are very inspiring!!!!
You are so good at these, Meghan! And thank you too for the encouragement. I’ll try a little harder this year! x
I have a mirror one: http://www.flickr.com/photos/superdewa/7805181700/, and there is another mirror one where I am just slightly in it, but not enough to share here. I need to get a remote shutter release for my various cameras and/or figure out the timers. But in general, I don’t take a lot of self-portraits of myself.
So great Meghan. You know how much I’ve been admiring the way you’ve been pushing yourself and your work, especially through your Polaroid self portraits. Despite having bought the shutter release and tripod mount for the Polaroids back in December, I have yet to do any selfies. I was just thinking today that I would like to do a mirror one with my Polaroid and me for my blog profile pic. Now to find a mirror with some good light!
Also, for those reading down this far, it seems that Meghan has been too humble to mention that one of her awesome Polaroid self portraits was chosen by the Impossible Project for an exhibition in their New York City store! So very proud of you, M. xoxo
Beautiful shots Meghan, I love yours and the ones you’ve chosen! The funny thing is back in the film days, i set my timer and got in the shot all the time. i haven’t even considered it once since i’ve fired up the “new” & old film cameras. I’ll have to make it a point to try it soon. thanks!
I’ve been thinking of doing more film self-portraits lately and your post just might give me the push I needed. I also added two images from this year to the group pool.
Oh I love this post! It is really hard to do self portraits on film but I completely agree, it’s so rewarding! My last film self portrait is one I took in October on my 28th birthday. You can find it here: http://brianamorrison.com/when-i-turn-30-lifestyle-photographer/
Meghan this is an incredibly lovely self portrait. I share the same feelings as some of the other ladies. I haven’t thought about any self portraits on film much, but you’ve given me some inspiration to get on this project once again. Thanks for sharing my photo. Must humbled to share this space with you today.
Beautiful post Meghan, and it looks like you’ve inspired some film-selfie shooters out there!
I suppose I need to actually add my images to the pool. It often slips my mind. I love that photo of you Meghan!