Self-Portraits 101

If you really want to know yourself, you have to study yourself.

Words & Photography: Em Leonard

The art of self-exploration through portraiture has been practiced since as far back as the 13th century. Long before the word 'selfie' existed, people could only see their likeness in reflections or, for those who could afford it, in mirrors. The innate curiosity we all have with ourselves is nothing new and although we see it more often with today’s technology (around 93 million selfies are taken each day) -  that curiosity has been around forever. As Van Gogh quite aptly put it, “People say, and I am willing to believe it, that it is hard to know yourself." It was for this reason, painters and photographers began to explore themselves as subjects.

I practice self-portraiture for varying reasons: as a distraction from a dull day of tantrums when housebound with the kids, to experiment with a new idea or vision that I might not be confident offering to clients, and, as I’ve found more recently, to witness myself during difficult times, like my husband’s cancer treatment, moments of anxiety and navigating the hard days of motherhood.

Read Em’s tips to capture the perfect self-portrait in Vol. 01 of Bush Journal.

Em Leonard is a lifestyle photographer from Western Victoria.