Backstage Pass: The Story Behind the Image

I recently began creating a new series, Luna, and wanted to share a peek at what goes on behind the scenes.

I like to incorporate objects as symbolism in many of my self-portraits. For this series, I wanted a type of sphere to represent the moon. I purchased several of the Amazing Wubble Bubble Balls (Have you heard of them?) in white and blue. I also used a 3D printed LED moon lamp (which has some texture. Can you spot it?). Soon I'll be adding in pearl-colored children's ball pit balls for even more spheres. I chose shades of blues and whites because I felt they would convert well to black and white in my post-processing.

I began by setting up some test shots in my backyard to get a feel for things before changing into a cumbersome dress. It can sometimes be difficult with all of the back and forth to my camera while wearing a gown. Often, they end up dirt ridden, torn and tattered, but thankfully, the camera is forgiving.

Test shot to grab my focus, set my exposure, and get the placement of the balls.

My initial thoughts were to capture the balls in mid-air. This process proved to be complicated. It was tricky to time it out with my camera's shutter release and more times than not the balls landed on my head, knocking my glasses off.

Here you can see that I was trying to capture some movement in my dress.

In these outtakes you can see how I try to capture some movement in my dress.

Eventually, I ended up with a costume change and a call for back-up. Since I don't typically work in Photoshop, I need to find other ways to bring my visions to life. Sometimes that means asking for help.

You can see the hand on the left by the dress.

Once I finished, I brought my images into Lightroom and converted them to black and white. I added any texture and bokeh using Alien Skin Exposure software. It only took me about 10 minutes to edit each self-portrait.

Here are a few of the final edits.

I hope you enjoyed this little peek into what goes on behind the scenes. If you have any questions, drop them in the comments below, and I'd be happy to reply.

I am an Artist - My Struggles with Imposter Syndrome

The first time I came across the term “Imposter Syndrome,” I was newly teaching my Expressive Self Portraiture class with The Define School. A fellow artist and student brought it to my attention. What was it? It didn’t sound good. I Googled the term, and right before my eyes was a description of my exact feelings.

Wikipedia says, “Despite external evidence of their competence, those experiencing this phenomenon remain convinced that they are frauds, and do not deserve all they have achieved. Individuals with impostorism incorrectly attribute their success to luck, or as a result of deceiving others into thinking they are more intelligent than they perceive themselves to be.”

As time went on, I came to realize that Imposter Syndrome is quite common, if not prevalent in the Artist community. Unfortunately, many of us choose not to speak about it and expose ourselves as the “frauds” we believe we are.

I want to share my struggles openly with all of you. I know it’s in these relatable moments where I find reassurance that I am not alone. I hope you can find the same.

For years I would freeze up when someone would ask me what I do for a living. It was a process for me to say the words “I’m a photographer.” In all honesty, sometimes I would revert to my past years and take the easier route. “I’m a piano teacher.” Stating that I’m a photographer opened up space for more questions which would essentially lead to the fact that I’m a fraud.

As time went on, I graduated from photographer to artist. With that, the feelings came of “What gives me the right to call myself an artist?!” Throw in the fact that my art consisted mostly of self-portraits, and I really had a doozy on my hands when speaking to others.

Do you need to be making an income to title yourself as a photographer or artist?

No!

Do you need to have clients, magazine spreads, or pictures hanging on gallery walls to be worthy?

No!

Do you need wild success and acclamations to muster up the courage to call yourself an artist?

Never!

What you need is to create and create authentically from your heart. You need to trust in yourself and your abilities.

That whole fake it until you make it has never jived well with me. What’s wrong in admitting I have no idea of what I’m doing and I could use a little help? In doing that, you’ll weed out the people who aren’t YOUR people.

I’m here to tell you that I don’t have it all together. I have no idea what I’m doing. It took me countless hours to put together my first newsletter. I still have trouble sizing images for galleries and prints. I recently was asked to mat a photograph and had to ask my father for help after completely failing at it. I’m still trying to figure out Instagram Stories. While typing this, I checked my email and received another rejection letter. This list goes on and on.

But do you know what? I still keep moving forward, no matter how tiny the steps are.

Why?

Because I’m an Artist. And a teacher.

The next time you find yourself doubting you’re an artist, remember this. You are not alone. I’m willing to bet that even the best have a hidden case of Imposter Syndrome going on. The most courageous thing you can do in all of your self-doubts is to do it anyway.

Keep creating the work that calls to you. Support others in doing the same. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Make mistakes and then allow the time and space to learn from them.

As always, thank you all for your support!

xoxo,

Sharon

Growing Ideas

Take an idea and build off of it. Watch it evolve, change, and grow. Witness the stories that unfold as you create from all of the pieces of your life- past, present, future.
🌝

Luna {Self-Portrait}

Out of the Darkness

My self-portraiture was born out of a dark place, but over time, has evolved just as we all do.
💫
As I’m sure you can tell, I’m most drawn to mysterious, dark, dreamlike, and oftentimes weird/creepy imagery. I have an active imagination and I enjoy the process of trying to bring it all to life.
💫
Did you know I don’t use Photoshop to edit my images?
💫
I truly enjoy the process of bringing my weird ideas to life. Sometimes it comes with its challenges since I can’t easily add in something during post processing.
💫
This self-portrait was taken in my backyard. I used a smoke bomb in the woods and wore a vintage dress and hat I found at a local thrift store. I kept my face shadowed to add to the mystery of this ghost-like woman in the woods.
💫
As an introvert I much prefer shooting my self-portraits in my house or on my property, although I do have a funny story or two about shooting in public places!
💫
Now that I shared a little about my process, what’s yours like? Do you live for the shoot or the editing process? Does your image come to life before or after editing? Or is it a combination of both? Do you prefer to be out in public or hidden?
💫
Share in the comments below. Also, I’ll make a post soon for those bloopers I’ve experienced out in public!