My Elements series of self-portraits was started on a whim last summer when I decided to experiment with motion blur by swirling sari fabric in front of the camera. The resulting effect created by the blurring and colouration of the photos made me think of fire, and eventually I decided to build the series around it interpreting the four elements. Second in the series was Floating, where I attempted to simulate the look of swimming underwater through a combination of lighting and the use of fabric.
The above photo is from a shoot I did this past weekend to interpret the element of Earth. Althought I’m quite happy with this photo it doesn’t fit well with the rest in the series. It is a little too different in it’s literal use of the earth, and lacks the two elements common to the other two: motion and fabric. At this point I’m not sure if I will reshoot this idea another way, or just try to create a similar effect through further manipulation in photoshop.
I don’t know if it fits into the rest of the series, but it’s an wonderfully expressive composition. I’m not trying to be snarky when I say you’re your own best subject.
Hey you! Thanks for stopping by my photoblog.
I don’t think it’s a snarky thing to say. I’m much more comfortable in front of my own camera, and I like taking pictures of myself once in awhile. I know what “I” can do as a model.
I was just looking at your photostream and the thumbnail of this didn’t jump out at me until I saw it larger here. Which is very weird because it’s beautiful beyond words.
To me the more literal use of earth doesn’t make it as one-of-these-things-is-not-like-the-other as the lack of motion… but in some ways that seems fitting, given the rooted/grounded symbolism of earth.
Is it different because of how much you have changed in the meantime? Surely you have changed and are at a different place in your life; would shooting in the same way still be interesting and relevant to you?
Even if you don’t end up being satisfied with this piece as part of the series, it’s a stunning shot. 🙂
The motion idea wouldn’t work for earth because I associate this element with stillness/stability. I think you’re right Mandy, that I have changed in the interim of shooting this series and it shows through in the photos.
I really want to see this shot as a large photo print because seeing it on screen doesn’t do it justice.
This is really beautiful on many levels, and very fitting for earth. Perhaps you have kick started a new series or create diptychs of fire/water then earth/air? I almost feel that perhaps you connect to earth better as it grounds you, it’s tangible and real, thus the change in the style/look of the series. Where as Fire/Water is mystical and can have a person caught up in it and consumed.