Self-portraits as empowerment
Even though nature photography has been my main focus, I wanted to explore taking self-portraits as well but that didn’t go easily since I didn’t have a decent tripod, so I used a stack of books (my beloved Norton Anthologies of English Literature) instead. At the end of July, I invested in a tripod and I immediately went to the forest to take some self-portraits. To me, it’s essential to have pictures of myself that fit my artistic vision. Other photographer friends of mine agree that it’s very rare someone manages to take a picture of you that you’re really happy with, because, as a photographer, you know on which aspects you have to focus. Explaining to others what kind of composition, atmosphere and lighting I want is not that self-evident but now that I have a tripod, I can create the images of myself how I have them in mind. (Or at least, try to.)
To me, self-portraits are not just pictures. On the contrary, they’re empowering representations of myself. Being raw in front of a camera and capturing my strength, fierce gaze, weakness, pride, soft sides or simply a happy me takes vulnerability. But going through this process is so worth it because these pictures will remind me of a certain period in my life when I dared to be vulnerable yet powerful and serious but also able to be playful and maybe most importantly, able to love myself and be determined when so much wasn’t sure yet.
Eventually, I’ll learn to capture myself exactly how I want to. I am not there yet but I am already having a lot of fun expressing myself.
Placing the human back into the landscape: nature as my studio
The uniqueness of each one of us
As much as I love telling my own story, I want to tell other people’s stories too. We all are the main character of our own narrative and I firmly believe each one of us is unique. Our inner world shines through in our appearance, no matter how high or low we might think of ourselves. The past year, I arranged a few photoshoots and took some pictures of my friends. I love them to bits and wanted to give them pictures that resemble what makes them the way they are: beautiful souls.
Creative portraits of my dancer friend Lotte
I enjoyed every moment of this photoshoot. The backdrop came in so handy and made it possible for me to create powerful pictures. Initially, we were both a bit discouraged because it was pouring down but then I figured we could do the photoshoot in the globe of the Botanical Garden in Leuven.
I am full of energy and enthusiasm when I can capture personalities, passions, skills and physical traits. Doing a photoshoot is pretty intense but it’s so worth it and I had a lot of fun creating together with Lotte. Not only is she an excellent dancer but her personality shines through everything.
With my portrait photography, I want people to feel powerful, kind-hearted, creative and confident in their skin. That’s why I always ask people (mostly friends) to come to a photoshoot as themselves and wear clothes and accessories they feel most empowered and happy in. This way, I can capture their uniqueness, smile and movements. Since I started photography, I have done various photoshoots of all very different people and I must say, I absolutely love that everyone is so different and unique.
Spontaneous portraits of university friends
I live for the soft little smiles of people, smiles that come from within and are triggered by happiness, a memory or something someone else is doing. It made me realise how much I actually enjoy capturing birthday parties or picnics, just people enjoying each other’s company. In some ways, photographing spontaneous people is more challenging than doing a creative photoshoot since a facial expression or posture is very quickly gone. To me, the best part of all this is when people don’t know I am taking pictures. The results are pure authenticity.
A photoshoot with my fierce friend Olivia
I really tried my best to capture her uniqueness. A special kind of uniqueness every one of us radiates. For me, It’s not ‘just’ photographing how you look on the outside. I want to capture what shines from the inside. I know Olivia as an intelligent, witty and kind friend with a good sense of fashion. With this shoot, I wanted to give her empowering pictures of herself. Underscoring the bits that I admire.
Besides, I love storytelling. Doing this shoot was such an enriching experience. We created images that could be part of a detective narrative with dark academia vibes. Or maybe a story about self-discovery and learning to be the main character. The endless possibilities somehow spark creativity and urge me to keep on creating.
Just as I want to tell nature’s story, I want to tell the stories of people too, acknowledging someone’s uniqueness, the bits that make you the way you are. The bits that you’re proud of.
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Hello!
Thank you for reading this blog. I can’t wait to do more photoshoots and capture the uniqueness, confidence, stillness, creativity, kindness, vulnerability and power we all embody. But for now, I am writing other blog posts and working on a photo gallery so you’ll be able to view the best nature shots and portraits I’ve taken so far.
Keep cool and until the next blog 👋
Laura
Laura van Cutsem 