Tips For Handing The First Days Of Preschool
9 years ago
21 August 2010
What is a shadow? It sort of looks like us...it has to resemble us somehow, as are bodies are that which cast it...but it morphs constantly, stretching, shortening, warping, rarely, if ever, a perfect silhouette of ourselves. It tags along wherever we go...the only way to get away from it is in pure darkness. Indeed, we need light to cast a shadow. What does this say of us? What is the shadow, this dark thing that follows us around like a bodiless spirit trying to get in, only able to barely touch us wherever our body makes contact with the earth? No, not really alive and mindful of it's own, like Peter Pan's shadow that somehow got away from him. No, but it is somehow a part of us, following ever dutifully along.
Could our shadows be likened to our subconscious mind? Ever changing as it processes new thoughts? Like a dream...visible but intangible? Something that truly belongs to us, but never solidifies...
Whatever it is, it's going to stay with as long as we are in our physical bodies. I've never known anyone to dislike this part of themselves. We often don't even remember that we have the shadow tagging along everywhere we go (unless we're a child who's suddenly become fascinated with it). But unlike with our bodies, it doesn't matter if it sags in the wrong places, is too short or too tall. It's going change with a simple twist of the body, anyhow.
I wanted to do a nude silhouette for my shadow image. Being a portrait photographer, I'm aware of how every little twist of the body can affect the image, making someone look taller, thinner, fatter, proportioned or disproportioned. The tilt of the head can enlarge the eyes, or likewise the nose. But a silhouette is even more challenging...especially when doing a self-portrait...trying to show as many lines as possible rather than morphing into a blob. It was fun and challenging, and I got quite warm running back and forth from my camera...even with no clothes on. lol.
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This first one makes me laugh. It looks like my waist is right under my breasts.    |
Elements of Self is hosted by Shakti Mama. For more shadows, visit here.
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the seeker
Healing
beautiful places
love the one with outstretched arms, very ballerina-like. love the softness, the pinkish tint...
great stuff.
I especially love the second one. maybe it's the bunches!
"Could our shadows be likened to our subconscious mind? Ever changing as it processes new thoughts? Like a dream...visible but intangible? Something that truly belongs to us, but never solidifies..." -- Love, love this. I have to wonder about it ... and how could I have forgotten about my shadow for so long? I mean, really, I think it's been years since I've looked at my shadow! Now I think I could write a short story about it :).
Thank you for sharing ... and I'm so glad you had fun with this one!
Your photos are stunning. I love the sense of movement in them. The sensuous lines. The softness.