In 2016, I found myself in the throes of an identity crisis. Self-portraiture was a tool I began using as a form of healing and self-expression during this difficult time. I was looking for ways to express myself in a way that was unique to me. Through much experimentation, I introduced long exposures into my self-portraiture work. Feeling invisible, I created my "See Me" project as a way to be seen essentially. "See Me" is an ongoing project where I continue to make these past and present stories and versions of myself.

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Creating these long exposures became an integral part of my healing process. I developed this relationship with time and these in-between moments. Knowing that my thoughts, feelings, breath, heartbeat, movement, and life were captured in an image intrigued me. I was drawn to this in-between space where I could reveal pieces of my personal story that felt just as haunted as I did. I was able to step outside of myself and witness myself with fresh eyes. As the exposure time lengthened, I discovered I could create an image with two versions of me; much like the results that a double exposure could produce. This allowed me to see myself as another person and give her the love and forgiveness she longed for. In the end, this project has been an aid in the practice of self-love and self-discovery.

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The below image is the newest edition to the series. This is a self-portrait I took in my backyard using a 10-second shutter speed and my Lensbaby Velvet 56.
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Sony a7riii | Velvet 56 | f/16 | ISO 50 | SS 10s

You can view the series here on my website under ‘Projects’ or in the July/August 2021 issue of Shadow & Light Magazine, The Surreal Issue.

If you’re a member of the Click Community, I have a tutorial explaining my process for this. If you have any questions about my process, let me know!