Thursday, January 26, 2012

Project 52: Self Portrait

     I love to take pictures.  I do not love to be in pictures.  So I approached this week’s photo challenge with more than a little trepidation.   This is what I came up with.  I  have to admit though that I considered just posting the picture below.
     My son, Anthony, was given the art assignment to draw a self portrait about using one of your senses.  Anthony chose to draw his expression when he encounters a particularly noxious odor.  The black marks under his nose that look like a mustache are actually the words "Sniff! Sniff!"  I loved this picture so much that I framed it for his room. 

      I really don't like to be in pictures.  A few years ago when I was diagnosed with cancer I realized that there were very few pictures of me for my children to have if things did not go as we hoped.  I decided that I need to allow myself to be photographed.  It isn't about me.  It's about my family and those who love me.  Patty snapped this picture when my husband and I were on our way to a wedding.  She did a great job.  I felt the blurry picture of myself above was a little bit of a cheat to the people who are sharing this photo project with me. 

     Our identity is based on God's love for us.
     "But now, this is what the LORD says - he who created you... he who formed you... Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.  For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior... you are precious and honored in my sight, and ... I love you... Do not be afraid, for I am with you." Isaiah 43:1-6
-Donna

25 comments:

Ana said...

It's very hard for me to be in front of the pictures too. But I've trying to take more pictures of me and my husband together. We have millions of pictures of places and people, but just a few of us! That needs to change haha :)

Thanks for stopping by on my blog! :)

Kim said...

I love what you wrote about our identity is in Christ! Amen Sister! You look beautiful in the light green dress. How is your health now?

The Ray Workman Family said...

I agree that the light green is definitely your color! Such a nice picture. . .don't know why you'd want to hide! : ) But I do understand the shutter shock. : )

Valerie

Dominique Goh said...

I too find it hard to be in front of pictures..but do so that the kids have pictures of me to look at in the future. Lovely pictures of you and your kids.

Unknown said...

Thank you for the compliment. Thank you for asking. I will be a three year breast cancer survivor on Feb. 18.

Chelsea said...

I understand the fear, but the only people you have to worry about cheating are your own children. I wish that my mom had been more willing to be in front of the camera so that her grandkids would have more pictures of her. Good job putting yourself out there!

Foursons said...

Last year I did a picture a month on my blog of just me. And it was for the very reason that my kids need pictures of me after I'm gone. I joked that I hoped some of them would become funeral pictures (because I will totally haunt anyone who puts a bad picture of me up at my funeral), but it was also a huge growing period for me. I learned to not be so critical of myself (yet, still not entirely there) and I learned that it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks- this is about me and my family. Their opinions don't really matter. Unless of course they tell me I'm beautiful. *grin*

Your son's self-portrait is AWESOME and I love that you framed it for him. And the shot of you and your husband is beautiful. You look lovely in it. I like your self-portrait too, but next time unblur yourself and be proud of the woman God made you to be! Don't be ashamed of this beautiful person he created out of his love. (OK, I'll stop lecturing now. Sorry.)

And yup, I'm late again on entering. I haven't even taken a picture yet. *sigh*

Sarah Huizenga said...

Donna, I am amazed at your strength. I hope things are going well for you health wise. Your faith is a testimony to others!!

SJ @ Homemaker On A Dime said...

Great job on the portraits :) Btw, thanks for the sweet comment on my blog.

Tracy said...

Wonderful photos! I love your's son's self portrait! What an artist! Thank you for stopping by my blog as well!

Angie said...

Oh I hear you loud and clear! Not down with the whole being in the photo myself. I think we see ourselves differently than others see us, because I think you take a great photograph. And green is a healing color, not to mention it looks fabulous on you, so wear it often girl! :)

Harvest Moon by Hand said...

I read with great interest what you wrote about being okay with having your picture taken for your family's benefit. That is so true. My mom did not like her picture being taken, so unless I got some candid shots of her once I got my own camera as a teenager, there are very few of her when I was in elementary school - and, in fact, none of us together that I remember seeing. So, that's great that you are giving the gift of allowing yourself to be photographed for your family and future generations.

Congratulations, too, on passing your three-year mark! That's a milestone!

Fonda @Southern Scraps said...

I like the "cheat" shot, but you are beautiful in the other photo too.

heritagemom said...

Hi, Donna, I think your posts resonates with many of us who are usually behind the camera. I know it does with me. The "cheat" shot can be your creative portrait; just keep getting pictures of yourself! You're so right--it's not about me. :)

Christine

Ruth said...

Oooooooh, wonderful photos and family!and the best (for me) is your's son's self portrait, love, love, love :)
Petonets xoxo

Unknown said...

Hi Donna, yes that little make over helped me a lot! thanks for the visit, greetings

Kmcblackburn said...

Very nice. I love the creativity of your son too.

Kathy

Anonymous said...

Your son's self portrait is awesome! I love your flower shot, too. You've made me think; I need to try to be in more photos, especially with my kids. I'm so glad to hear that you're doing well now!

Jasmine said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jasmine said...

I hate to be in front of the camera too. My kids always want to take pictures of me though, so I try to have fun with it. Great job on your pictures. I really like the feel of the first one and I love your son's portrait.

Anonymous said...

Lovely thoughts and photos! Love your sons self portrait, very nice!

JOYfully in Him,
Kelli

Lizzy said...

You should definitely be in front of the camera more...the photo of you and your husband shows your true beauty. Your sons drawing in great!!

Sheila @ The Deliberate Reader said...

Your photograph with your husband is beautiful. And congratulations on your upcoming milestone - that is fantastic!

kelly said...

i love the message here! beautiful photo and congratulations. love, kelly

Renia said...

I cordially greet the Polish - I'm glad that you visited my blog

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