Photographers are struggling to create due to the boundaries put in place by COVID-19. To challenge ourselves, learn, and keep busy while in isolation, I’ve invited my good friends and talented Montréal photographers Kaitlyn Crossley and Tania Stratti to join in the Self-Portrait Challenge. The only rule is that you must take your portrait without the help of anyone else. All are welcome to participate! Share your results with us on Instagram using the hashtag:

#MTLSELFPORTRAITCHALLENGE

MTl SELF-PORTRAIT CHALLENGE

Featuring

EMILIE OLSON

KAITLYN CROSSLEY

TANIA STRATTI

What was your reaction to the results of the other two participants?

I was surprised at the differences, and was incredibly motivated to learn more. When you have a broad challenge such as this, it’s hard to imagine what someone else might do with it.

We had a video round table discussion at the reveal and we agreed that self-improvement wouldn’t exist without critic, defending our work and inspiration from others.

Have you had experience taking your own portrait?

I've been doing self portraits for quite some time now, mostly shooting in my apartment. Being a photographer you don't always get the chance to be in front of the camera. Self portraiture allows me to experiment with new looks that are aesthetically pleasing to me and my style of photography.

Talk a bit about your process

I get a lot of inspiration from other instagram accounts and Pinterest. I am constantly looking at other creatives work. I will usually find a look or vibe I'm feeling and emulate it but in my own way. I think it's important to keep your own spin on things to show your style and strengths.

What was your reaction to the results of the other two participants?

I was surprised to see the different approaches that were taken from 2 other photographers I admire. We didn’t share the direction or process we were planning to go in. I think this made things more interesting for all of us when it came to sharing and critiquing our work. This challenge also made me think of the client; when you choose to work with a certain photographer, you're choosing them for what they bring to the table. 

Why did you say yes to the self-portrait challenge?

I said yes to this self-portrait challenge because I liked the purpose behind it, of bringing photographers and people together during this time of isolation. I think creativity is an important aspect that needs to be exercised in times like these. An opportunity to support and challenge one another.

Was your favourite shot in-camera still your favourite?

This is something that always hits me when I'm in the process. I usually take a few shots, look at them and when one stands out I mentally take note but keep shooting. Sometimes I surprise myself and pick a whole other shot but most of the time I go straight back to that coup de coeur.

Talk a bit about your process

We had one week to carry out the project and submit our images for review and I spent 75% of that process thinking about how I'd execute my self portraits. It was important to me that it be done in a way that would be true to me as an individual and also offer a unique insight into my self and my work. Once I had jotted down the direction for the images, I began the emotion riddled process. I went from anxiety to excitement to disappointment and finally, contentment. The process of the challenge tested me in many ways, some of which I didn't always appreciate in the moment but valued for the overall opportunity for improvement. I think it's a wonderful way to shed a new light on yourself for others to see.

Have you had experience taking your own portrait?

I tend to be much more at ease behind the lens rather than in front of it so this exercise definitely put me outside of my comfort zone a little bit. You know what they say, no growth either personally or professionally can flourish within the confines of our comfort zone!

Did your images turn out the way you expected?

I spent a couple of days thinking up ideas for my self portraits and realized as I was shooting them that I was straying from my original visions. When I'm working I try to do justice to the moment and let it inspire me rather than stick to the guidelines created in my mind beforehand. I find this is the best way to let my own creativity flourish. I did also come to the overall realization that I am not nearly as natural in front of the camera as most of the subjects I shoot.

Was your favourite shot in-camera still your favourite?

My favourite image was and still is the one with the light that covers half of my face. The reason for that is because this image has a deeper meaning than what you see on your screen. It's a piece of my story documented in an image that someone else is able to interpret in whatever way they chose. Because of that, that glimpse of me can sort of stay private because of its openness to varying and ambiguous interpretations.

What was your reaction to the results of the other two participants?

It was really cool to see how the three of us had very different visions when it came down to execution. It made me realize how beautiful and empowering it is to see that despite living in a world where creativity isn't always fostered or valued from a young age, our life experiences and unique ways of thinking have allowed our true original selves to be translated through our work.

Is there anything you would like to add?

My overall takeaway from this project is that nothing new can come to you when you're standing still. Continue testing your limits and you will continue on your path of growth. It has also made me realize how lucky I am to have a community of photographers that inspire me and push me to challenge myself as a photographer and as a person.