CHEAP CAMERA/10 SECOND TIMER SELF-PORTRAITURE

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Washed Up, Washed Out...


I'm not sure what my problem is exactly, but ever since taking this last (shamefully mediocre) set of selfpics while I was on Anguilla a few weeks ago - I haven't had even the slightest inclination to stage any new ones…could have something to do with the fact that a huge wave doused my camera only about a dozen pics. into this shoot - and that was pretty much the end of that (RIP Sony Cybershot #7...or wait…is it #8), and since I've been home - I haven't even so much as entertained the idea of going out to purchase its replacement. Making matters worse, I've also been draggin' my feet about setting aside time to update The Big Ugly. To be perfectly honest about it, I'm just not in much of a self-portraiture mood these days, and I literally have no explanation for why that is. "My Favorite" tells me not worry about it too much…he says that I'm just taking a bit of a sabbatical, that's all…I reckon he's thinking that before too terribly long, I'll find myself diving back into dash photography with a renewed sense of enthusiasm - just as I've done in the past whenever I've lost steam for brief periods of time. But I havta say, something feels decidedly different this time…I feel sorta like I'm all washed up…and on the brink of closing this chapter of my life...  


Wednesday, December 4, 2013

A Day at the Beach


Y'all have no idea just how badly I wish I was back here…le sigh...


(Everyone needs a cheesy "wet hair flip" pic. in their portfolio, hmmmm? Dontcha think?)

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Home (Away from Home) Sick


Welp? I've returned from my long overdue, sorely needed, and way too short trip to my favorite place on the planet - the island of Anguilla.


…and although I am glad to be back home spending time once again with the people that I love the very most in this world...


…I can't seem to shake the strange sort of homesickness that I've been feeling for a place where I've never even actually lived…


It's Thanksgiving Day, here in The States...and one of the things for which I am most grateful - is all of YOU, my wonderful readers! Enjoy the day, each and every one of You!
  

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Flyin' the Coop






For lack of anything else new to share, and because it might be several days before I can even take any fresh pics., thought I'd post a few more from the shoot that I staged recently at my friend and her dad's beautiful barn (Thanks again, You Two!) - before I pack up and fly south, bright and early tomorrow morning - on my first trip to the ocean in 6 years, Hollah!

Although there are no nude beaches on the island of Anguilla, I do know of a few fairly secluded spots where I'm hoping to be able to sneak at least a handful of naked selfpics on a beach - which would mark the very first time in the entire 3 1/2 years that I've been immersed in dash photography, that I will have had the opportunity to do such a thing! Sooooo…fingers crossed you guys, that I'm actually able to pull it off…you have no idea just how badly I've wanted to cross a beach shoot off of my self-portrait bucket list! 

Anyway...Sayonara , Au Revoir, Auf Wiedersehen!!!

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Naked Streak


A new acquaintance of mine came by the gallery yesterday with a friend of his, and after the three of us chatted for a little while about, "Demons & Monsters" (the current exhibition on display at 1 lb.), we segued to a brief convo about my self-portraits. Somewhere in the midst of the new discussion, the acquaintance of mine asked (in such a shy and quiet voice, that it was almost inaudible), "So, is there a reason for why you pose nude as often as you do?". Without hesitation, I replied, "Cuz wearing nothing, is the easiest costume"…which apparently was not at all the answer that he'd expected to hear.


And although that isn't the only reason that I pose naked in my self-portraits (as my new friend had correctly implied), lately it has felt like more times than not - I've opted out of donning any of the many different outfits that I do still make sure to bring along on my shoots - for the sake of expediency, and in an effort to not fritter away precious time on (oftentimes elaborate) costume, make-up and character changes…

So today, when out of curiosity I went to The Big Ugly to check out the sitch, I scrolled down the first page that's up right now, and realized that in every post except for the very last one, I am in fact nakey - uhhhh, whoops…Right away I knew that it might be time to switch things up a bit here on the blog, and luckily - after a really nice afternoon of shooting on Monday, I've come to this entry equipped with pics. that will allow me to break the naked streak! Right? I mean…these pictures do count…do they not?


Oh! And Thanks sooooooo much to my friend and her father, who gave me permission to take selfpics in their immaculate barn, while the most delectable, late afternoon, autumn sunlight streamed in through each and every doorway and window…I enjoyed myself immensely, and I can't tell you how much I appreciate that!

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Hold On


Been so flipping' busy, lately…feels like I haven't been doing a very good job of keeping The Big Ugly current…and interesting. 

But if we can all hold on for just a little bit longer, I think I'll be able to get my act together again…I hope.


Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Autumnal Bliss




I've said this before, but it definitely bears repeating...I haven't got many friends, but the few that I do have - truly are the world's absolute best!

I spent all of yesterday with a particularly good buddy of mine, driving to various destinations that he'd bookmarked in his mind, as being possible venues at which I could shoot...and although I focused primarily on completing my darkroom photography class assignments, I did still carve out a little time to devote to taking a few new self-portraits...

It was a positively fantastic day, and I owe a huge "THANK YOU!" to my good buddy for leading me to such remarkably photo-worthy locations, and "THANKS!" also to his girlfriend - for allowing me to stage the above shots at her place!!! I gotta tell ya', it's the greatest thing ever to feel as happy as I do :D 

Friday, November 1, 2013

Good Vibes!


Dude...so this very cool thing happened earlier today! I checked my blog stats (as I am wont to do), and noticed a sudden, and rawther dramatic spike in hits - so then next, I saw that the source of all of this unexpected, but welcomed activity on The Big Ugly - was a reddit link...aaaaand so naturally, I quickly clicked on the link to see what it was all about...


Turns out, a redditor named PolyHedonist had very graciously put up a post about me and the blog! I was so blown away by this generous demonstration of kindness, that - as my way of saying, "THANK YOU!!!" to the benevolent redditor - I promised to try and publish a new blog post today (I'm in hyper-spas mode, trying to get ready for tonight's, "Demons & Monsters" Opening and Artists Reception at 1 lb. Gallery, so wasn't entirely sure it it would happen or not)...but anyway - here it is!

Oh, and while I'm dolling out sincere appreciation for good deeds, "Thank You!" also to my friend who not only always replies with an enthusiastic, "Yes!" whenever I ask for permission to shoot on his property, but who just last weekend, invited me to shoot in yet another of his kickass buildings (seen in the pics. above, as well as here). A big, gigantic, "THANKS!" to you both!!!

(I'm loving all of the good and positive energy that's making the my life feel so electric, these days - WOO!)

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Well Red






Last week's Big Ugly Land of Oz self-portraiture challenge was entitled, "Seeing Red"...and for me it was pure kismet that this past Friday I happened to bump into one of my most open-minded, property-owning friends...cuz outta the blue, he offered up one of his many fantabulous properties - as a potential backdrop for one, or any of my self-portrait shoots. When I mentioned to him that my next shoot was gonna need to be "red-themed", he smiled and said that - not only were there two old MG's in the building in which he'd offered to let me take pics., but (if he remembered correctly) one of them was red...and 'deed if it wasn't...THANK You, You amazingly sweet, and generous man!!!

Friday, October 25, 2013

Greet the Brand New Day


Thought I'd take a short break from posting more of the selfpics that I took in Atlanta, by instead sharing one that's decidedly more relevant to the positively go'juss morning that I woke up to, today...aaaaaahhhhhhh...



Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Ballroom Blitz






I snuck a few self-portraits in one of the main ballrooms, at the hotel where I stayed while I was down in Atlanta, last weekend...and it's a damn good thing that I decided to forgo posing nude (like I so often do) - because I got caught red-handed by a member of the hotel staff, after having just gotten started with this shoot...uhhhhhh whoops!

I havta say though, like all of the other hotel employees with whom I had the pleasure of interacting: doormen, concierges, bartenders, waitstaff, managers and housekeepers - the man who walked in on my shoot, could not have been any nicer, or more chill. They were all just the nicest bunch of people ever, I mean that - and I feel lucky to have made each and every one of their acquaintances! Thank You so much for bestowing upon me - your generous, Southern hospitality :D

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Up On The Roof


I just returned home from my weekend getaway to Atlanta, Ga. - where I had the absolute most fun attending Eroticon USA 2013! I feel incredibly fortunate to have met so many interesting, talented and super nice people, and as an added bonus to all of that goodness - I managed to also squeeze in a little bit of time in which to explore Atlanta, while taking loads of new pics. (self-portraits and otherwise).

Since this week's Big Ugly Land of Oz Self-Portrait Challenge asked that we all take selfies anywhere but at home, I didn't dare pass up the opportunity to stage a few shoots in a big city, states away from my small town...

This image was taken on the rooftop of the hotel where I stayed...

Next week's BULOO challenge theme is - "Seeing Red"...feel free to do whatever you want with it!

Thursday, October 17, 2013

"Toll Dat Mauker..."


Thanks again (for like the millionth time) to my very mostly Favorite - for letting me get my self-portrait kicks at his place, the other day! I swear to Pete, you are best...I could just eat you all up!


...and not to be a party pooper or anything, but if you'll all kindly excuse me - I've gotta go finished getting packed, and tucked in super early tonight - so that I'll be all set to take off for Atlanta, Ga. early tomorrow morning (I'm goin' to Eroticon USA 2013, YIP! And I am so super nervous and excited - wish me luck?)

Right so, I'll see you sweet peeps again, before too terribly long...mmmmmmuah!

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Background Noise








I've been making these seriously sick ass, huge prints of my Instagram pics., at the gallery lately - and naturally, it didn't take very long before I came up with the idea to stage some self-portraits in front of 'em...which not surprisingly then also inspired this past week's Big Ugly Land of Oz Self-Potraiture Challenge - where I asked myself, and anyone else who was game - to stage our selfpics in front of unusual, or interesting backdrops...I was undeniably selfishly motivated to tackle this theme...but hey - no harm, no foul...am I right?

Friday, October 11, 2013

It's a Gatsby Thang




Been sick with some godawful, miserable virus for nearly two weeks now - so haven't had the energy to take any new selfpics since September the 30th...bleh. 

Anyway, I'm hoping that you guys'll be cool with me filling in this unfortunate lapse in productivity - by posting the female counterparts to the male versions of this group that I shared here, and here, recently...I do feel fairly certain though, that I'll be well enough to wanna shoot again sometime this weekend...I hope I will at least...

Sunday, October 6, 2013

The Red Dress Diaries


Ok, first let me say - there is definitely somethin' goin' wonky with my iPhoto...because every time I upload a picture from iPhoto to elsewhere - it comes in blown out way too bright, with the colors either too dull, or too intense...so please forgive what appears to be horrific edits on the two color pics. that I've posted on this entry - until I can figure out how to get the proper versions uploaded...Thank You!

(Moving on...)


It was no accident that "The Big Ugly Land of Oz" Self-Portraiture Challenge theme for last week was, "Movement"...because for one thing, when I decided upon it - I had already taken the first two pics. that you see here, a couple of weeks before - and I figured they'd suit this sort of challenge just perfectly... 


...but besides that - the homework assignment that we'd be given last week, in my darkroom photography class - was to freeze and blur movement by adjusting the shutter speed, and aperture on our cameras...


...et voila! Same red dress, different day and location...and instead of using my trusty Sony Cybershot - I set the timer on my old Canon AE-1, before dashing into the frame, and leaping and spinning until I was pretty sure that I'd gotten my shots. The coolest thing about the last two pics in this entry however - is that I developed the 35mm film on which these pics were taken - myself! And tomorrow I'm going back to the darkroom to mess around with making a few prints from my negatives, YIP!

Believe me when I tell you, this is exciting new territory for an old gal like me :)

Friday, October 4, 2013

Bottoms UP!


Any of my wonderful readers out there, who live in, or near Winchester, Va. - really oughtta try and make it out to my 1 lb. Gallery's Opening and Artists' Reception for the current group photography exhibition, "Defining 'Erotic'" - tonight from 6 - 10 (probably much later, actually). This is a truly remarkable (especially for this area) collection of images (and one incredibly cool 3-dimensional wall hanging!), submitted by an internationally, and creatively diverse group of individuals...I am literally in LOVE with this exhibit, and I want to share it with the you all - so please come have a drink, eat some food, and most importantly - celebrate the arrival of this phenomenal exhibition with me!

I hope to see you there!!!

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Do I Scare You?


"Gender Bending" was the theme for last week's "Big Ugly Land of Oz" Self-Portrait Challenge"...and I dare say, this has to be one of the hottest self-portraits that I've ever taken...HAWT, I tell You - muh fuckin' HAWT!!!

Anyhoo, "Thank You!!!" to my "old-car-graveyard-go-to-guy" - for letting me shoot at his secret spot, yet again! (I got a ton of ideas while I was there takin' pics., soooo...I might be hittin' you up to go back sometime soon...hope that's Ok!)

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Radio Daze


Had just enough time to post a (relatively) new selfpic, this morning - before running errands, and then heading over to the gallery for the day. 

"Thank You!" to my special friend who let me into his home to stage this, and so many other self-portrait shoots...I can't tell you how much your generosity, and hospitality means to me! 

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Double Your Pleasure, Double Your Fun


Sooooo...I've started this new self-portrait project, see...and I've just gotten my first set of pictures back, (Yip!) Although most of them didn't turn out all that great - there was at least one image in the batch that I thought might be ok to share with you guys, in order to help illustrate this new bent that I'm on...allow me to explain:

   About a month ago, a friend/fellow tumblrer/self-portraiture artist - introduced me to the art of double exposing 35mm film, and after doing a bit of research - I purchased a film picker, shot a roll of Tri-X 400 B&W film (capturing images that were primarily texture-based), used my handy-dandy, new film picker to extract the film, reloaded it into my Canon AE-1, and then using the timer on my trusty, old film camera - I took self-portraits on the roll of film's second go-around.

Additionally, since I am currently enrolled in my first darkroom photography class - I was able to develop this first roll of double exposed film, myself - which only got me that much more excited about embarking on this new photographic endeavor! (Not exactly sure what I'm gonna do when I no longer have darkroom privileges, once my class ends in December - but I'll worry about that when the time comes...) 

So now, whenever I go out to take my usual "cheap camera, 10 second timer" self-portraits (see above), I shall also set up my Canon, so that I can superimpose my likeness on rolls of film that are already full of textural images (see below).  


These double exposed self-portraits won't be nearly as forthcoming as my digital self-snaps are, since my success rate so far has been somewhat negligible - but I am gonna keep trying, cuz I'm seriously digging the whole entire process!

Sunday, September 22, 2013

The Buddy System


So, by now you guys know that my brand of self-portraiture is all about no one but ME - Me, Me, ME! But last week, I had the good fortune of working alongside the most amazingly talented, and exquisitely gorgeous individual - shooting her, shooting things, and ultimately - shooting ourselves together in the same frames...and the timing could not have been any more perfect, since the "Big Ugly Land of Oz" Self-Portrait Challenge for last week, asked that Osmyn and I invite at least one other person to join us in our self-portrait shoots...


I had so much fun sharing the spotlight (for once), that I might just make a habit of shooting with a buddy...stay tuned!

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Just Under the Wires


Had two super, double, extra excellent days of shooting, this week - and they wouldn't have been possible had it not been for my new partner in photography crime...and so to her I say, "THANK You!" for leading me to such killer locations, and for collaborating with me! (I'll post a few of our collab pics. soooooon!)

Sunday, September 15, 2013

You Want a Piece of ME?!


The "The Big Ugly Land of Oz" Self-Portrait Challenge last week - had Osmyn and me assuming the identities of imaginary characters ^...and for this week's challenge, we're asking of ourselves (and anyone else who might want to join in on all of the fun!) to invite at least one other person to star in our/your shoots.

(Please excuse the rushed post - but I've gotta hurry up and finish, so I can go look at the Redskins' game!) - GO SKINS!

Friday, September 13, 2013

Peek-a-Booty


Another self-snap from my shoot this past Tuesday...

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

On Cow Pie Pond


I was in desperate need of taking some non-BULOO Challenge-themed self-portraits, yesterday...it just feels like I've been seriously slackin' on staging my regular self-portrait shoots, lately. Luckily however, I was allowed to shoot for hours, upon hours - all over the property where one of my most faaaaave peeps on the planet lives...yet again. Thank you, THANK You!!! (I promise I'll make it up to you…somehow)

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Little Dancer Aged Fourteen (Plus 30, Damnit)


Osmyn requested that we mimic a famous work of art, (either a painting or a sculpture, but not a photograph!) - for last week's "Big Ugly Land of Oz" Self-Portrait Challenge...coincidentally, after having acquired this bitchin' tutu late last spring from a local dance academy, I immediately got it in my mind that I oughtta stage selfpics inspired by Edgar Degas' bronze sculpture, "Little Dancer Aged Fourteen" (or whatever it's actually called)...but it wasn't until Osmyn came up with last week's challenge theme, that I finally got off my ass and made it happen.

After firing off numerous attempts at something as close to literal as I thought that I could possibly manage - I was there behind my camera, reviewing each subsequent frame thinking, "Uhhhh...yeah...this shit is not only unflattering, but it's seriously boring to boot"...Guh... 


Soooo...I decided to go outside to try and do something a little more in keeping with the way that I normally attack my self-portrait shoots (thank god I came to my senses)...and this ^ is what I ended up with. Now admittedly, it's nothing at all like the Degas' sculpture that inspired my response to Osmyn's self-portrait challenge request this week...but so what! I was just relieved to have walked away with one single image that I didn't totally hate...aaaaahhhh...

For this week's "Big Ugly Land of Oz Challenge" - I think we oughtta each become a fictitious character...someone who is absolutely not us at all...they can be totally made-up characters, or well-known characters - makes no difference at all, to Osmyn or me. We're just asking that everyone photograph themselves while assuming the identity of someone they are not - and the more exaggerated, and over-the-top - the better!