No More Distortions

Danny photographs himself regularly, in order to see himself as he really appears.

As you may have heard, I am not a fan of having my picture taken. And I have been working on it.

I think Ellen Fisher Turk gave me a good idea. From her main page:

I use image-still or video to help women see past who they think they are. I photograph women who suffer from negative body mage brought on by rape, incest, eating disorders, cancer or just plain life.

This is an invitation to participate in a process that will completely change how you view yourself.

I’m not a skilled photographer, mind you, but I thought, “Why can’t I do that for myself?” So I started a bit of an experiment in hopes that it will help me overcome my hatred of having my picture taken.

For the last year or so when I come home from work, I pull out my digital camera and I take a few pictures of myself. Nothing fancy, usually just a simple pose in what I wore to work that day—three button polo and basic dress slacks—at first but lately I have gotten into taking photos of myself in more casual clothing. I usually take about 3-5 pictures. So far it is helping me overcome the fear.

Who knows: maybe one day I’ll get bold enough to not only be able to take a picture without being disgusted. For now, though, I’m taking joy on the fact that I have gotten bold enough to actually post pictures of myself on a regular basis.

This has been be a grand experience. Take a look at the whole set for yourself (but warning, there are some straight up NSFW photos in there, not of me mind you) if you get a chance, but here are a few that I really like.

—Photo credit: Danny