CHEAP CAMERA/10 SECOND TIMER SELF-PORTRAITURE

Friday, June 14, 2013

The Big Ugly Self-Portrait Challenge Results!

I can't tell you how delighted I was to receive the self-portraits that were submitted to The Big Ugly Challenge! I am beyond grateful to those of you who indulged me by setting the timers on your cameras, for the sake of exploring my personal chosen art form - dash photography - THANK YOU!!!

In life, in general - I tend to avoid ever adopting an, "Everyone is a Winner" mindset or approach to much of anything, but because the total number of entries was 9, and because I am cuckoo over each image for its own, special uniqueness, and because I'm sooooo appreciative of the effort that each contributor made to the challenge - I have decided to award official Big Ugly t-shirts to every participant! 

So let's meet the winners then, shall we? 

(I have posted the images in the order that I received them)



If you haven't already heard of Osmyn, or been fortunate enough to have seen his work by now - I implore you to do so...pronto! This young man is a diehard analog, portrait photographer, who - with the help of his beloved, medium format Hasselblad camera - exhibits a preternatural ability to connect with his subjects in such a way, that his images never fail to be thought-provoking, and rife with sincere emotion. 

Osmyn turned the tables, and the camera - by posing nude for himself for the first time ever - in order to snap a self-portrait for the challenge...and I must say, the resulting photo is totally in keeping with the quality and sentiment of his portrait work - Bravo! 

Please click on the link above, as well as here to visit Osmyn's growing collection of exquisite portraits. And if you happen to be in the Winchester, Va. area on July the 5th - please stop by the Grand Opening of my fine art photography gallery at 29 N. Loudoun St. from 5 - 9 p.m.. I will be holding an artist's reception for Osmyn at that time, as he will be the first solo exhibitor in my new space!



When Emmer's self-portrait appeared in my inbox, I was at first glance taken with the calm, muted colors. But the ever-so-slight movement that he captured - along with the clever positioning of the camera - lent a genuinely voyeuristic feel to the photo - and that was what really struck me - Superb!

Please also click here to view a collection of Emmer's own work on tumblr, as well as here to see the self-portrait work of others that he shares on there.


We all have dear Raymond to Thank for being the catalyst that sparked "The Big Ugly Self-Portrait Challenge" - Love You, and your self snap, Raymond! 

Just knowing what you put yourself through for the sake of making this self-portrait for the challenge - makes me literally feel itchy for you, Haha! But more importantly, it's a testament to your willingness to do whatever it takes (like, put yourself through HELL!) in order to produce an image that stands out as being unlike any other - Well done!



I don't know very much about "Justa", but what I do know is that I am covetous of his use of light and shadow - the effectiveness of which makes the B&W image that he sent in for the challenge quite powerful, if you ask me. Additionally, the air of mystery tinging his self-portrait, made me forget for a moment that he had photographed himself...I found myself wondering about the entire story surrounding this halted moment in a random stranger's life...Brilliant, Justa - Thank You!



Having focussed almost exclusively on tidy, yet interesting composition, while procuring his timed self-portrait - is what sets Richard's submission apart from the rest of the entries, not to mention my own style of self-portraiture! Anyone who has ever dabbled in dash photography, can attest to the urgency one feels while frantically trying to get out from behind the camera, and into a reasonable pose - but Richard's peaceful demeanor alludes to an uncannily calm scenario. It's almost as if he's been patiently sitting for an indeterminate amount of time, while some other photographer makes his portrait. Very nice, Richard!

You may visit Richard's other blogs and tumblrs by clicking hereherehere, and here


Penny

I have no idea just how far, and across what type of terrain Penny had to scurry (barefoot!!!), while making her mark for this self-portrait - but judging by her distance and decent from where the camera was presumably positioned, and taking into consideration the rough, rocky ground on which she stands so statuesquely - I would venture to say that it was definitely no walk in the park! I so admire her willingness to endure what had to have been a certain degree of physical pain (and exhaustion?), while working unquestionably hard to capture this lovely image...You're a girl after my own heart, Penny - I love that! 


Curvaceous Dee

Curvaceous Dee could never be called a shrinking violet, no way! An enviably confident, highly respected, pansexual blogger heralding from New Zealand - she frequently bucks the system by having pictures of herself made while baring her all (or some of her all) in public places. I am perennially in awe of her unapologetic daring! Never one to miss an opportunity to raise a few eyebrows, Dee gave her neighbors quite a show while composing her self-snap for the challenge - and because of that, I give her two well-deserved, enthusiastic thumbs-up for shock value! I have to also commend her though, for her innovative approach to camera placement. Rather than going the traditional route by setting it up on a tripod, she dangled her camera from the clothesline! Go Dee!!!


James

Capturing images like the one that James sent in for the challenge, is no easy feat - let me assure you! I know this because I've done my own fair share of wet and/or soapy shoots...and in the process, I've flooded bathroom floors, cussed like a sailor, killed more than one camera - and still never ended up with anything even remotely as compelling (or courageous!) as the scrummy selfpic that James shared! I think it's utterly fabulous - Thank You, James! (K...gonna go take a cold shower now...)



Molly is legit the most famous person that I've ever had the privilege of knowing, honest to goodness. She is a wildly popular sex blogger, not only in her native UK, but literally across the entire planet! And I believe a big part of why so many, many people (myself included) are so fond of her, is because she is as genuinely real a person, as one can be. She is friendly, approachable, humble and generous - and the unpretentious thoughts and anecdotes that she candidly shares on her blog, "Molly's Daily Kiss" - only make her readers feel that much more connected, and close to her.

Along with being a prolific writer, Molly is also an avid photographer - and although she does take tons of pics. of things other than herself, self-portraiture is the genre that we both share in common. It's such an incredible honor to know that Molly took time away from her uber-busy life, to stage, and contribute one of her classically "real" self shots to my little, ole Big Ugly Challenge...especially knowing that it's entirely possible that she just might rule the world, someday! :D

Please also click here to view Molly's non-erotic photography site!



So there ya' have it - quite the diverse line-up, wouldn't you say?

Congratulations to ALL of the Big Ugly Self-Portrait Challenge winners! I will be contacting you all directly very soon, so that I can get proper mailing addresses to which I shall then ship your t- shirts! Thank You again for putting forth such a wonderfully admirable effort - I dare say, I Love You Guys!!!

29 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. @Osmyn Oree - It's a damn cool collection of selfpics, eh?!

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  2. These are all fantastic!!! Well done, everyone. When is the next challenge?

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    1. @Ella - I couldn't agree with you more! I was positively delighted with each subsequent entry, as they appeared one by one in my inbox!
      I don't have plans to host another challenge here on The Big Ugly...howEVER! Once my gallery is up and running, I shall have monthly (or so) themed calls for photography submissions, that I will announce on the gallery's website (which is still under construction at this point so not much to see there yet), and via email (feel free to visit: onepoundgallery.com to join the mailing list at any time!) Self-portraiture will most certainly be a featured contest theme, from time to time :)

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  3. Oh my - what absolutely amazing photographs everyone sent in! These were absolutely a delight to pore over. Mmmmmm :)

    xx Dee

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    1. @Curvaceous Dee - I just felt so lucky to be the recipient of such stellar work! Each time a new entry arrived, I felt as if I'd been given a present that I couldn't wait to share with everyone else! Thanks again Dee, for YOUR generous contribution to the challenge!

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  4. Oh! these are truly wonderful. I wanted to join in, but in the end I completely ran out of time. I will be watching for any future challenges and, of course, your own wonderful photography. What a glorious collection.

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    1. @Harper Eliot - Oh PHOOey! I'm so bummed that you didn't have a chance to stage and submit a self-portrait of your own, Harper! ;( But like I mentioned to Ella in a comment above, although I doubt that I'll be doing another challenge here on the blog - I do plan on having regular calls for photography entries via my new gallery's website (onepoundgallery.com) beginning sometime soon after I have my grand opening! Winners will have their work exhibited both on the walls of the gallery, as well as on an online gallery - and will have the opportunity to make their exhibited prints available for purchase. It's gonna be really cool - I'm super excited about it!

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  5. These are hands-down amazing. Such different images and all so wonderful and powerful. A true joy to look at. Jane xxx

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    1. @Jane - Aren't they all positively fabulous?! I just felt like the luckiest gal in the world - to have had such talented artists participate in The Big Ugly Challenge! Thanks so much for stopping by, and for commenting!

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  6. What a collection.
    My sincerest congratulations to my fellow entries. I know that my effort pales into insignificance alongside these others.

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    1. Raymond - Don't be silly, Raymond! Your piece is utterly fanTAbulous, and definitely added something completely different to the diverse round-up of entries!

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  7. Oh my Lauralyn... your words about me took my breath away. I really don't know what to say apart from thank you. YOU my dear lady are a constant source of inspiration to me. I would love to think that I am half the photographer you are... that would be an amazing achievement in my world.

    I will wear my t-shirt with the utmost pride and a big happy smile... and roll on October in Atlanta ;)

    Mollyxxx

    Ps.. I was wondering if you might like to add a link to my non erotic photography http://365.mollysdailykiss.com/ There are quite a lot of selfies on there and nearly all of them I have my clothes on!

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    1. @Molly - I meant everything that I said, Chica - You're a powerful force in the world of erotica, and although you could easily ignore, or look down your nose at the little guys like me - you're inherently too kind, and nurturing to act as if you're better than the rest of us...it's inspiring and admirable, to say the least!

      We'll havta collaborate on some joint self-pics in Atlanta - maybe with both of us wearing our Big Ugly shirts, HAHA!

      Oh! And I did just add the link to your 365 project - on the challenge results entry, I'm so glad that you suggested it! Thanks again for all that you've done, and continue to do for me, Molly :)

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  8. Thanks so much for hosting this contest Lauralyn! Every single one of these is unique and breathtaking! I wrote up a post about my experiences in trying "dash" photography for the contest if you'd like to check it out: http://pennysdirtythoughts.com/the-big-ugly-self-portrait-challenge/ :)

    xxPenny

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    1. @Penny - So COOL the entry that you wrote about participating in the challenge, Thank You for detailing your experience, and for sharing the link! I personally love knowing what people go through for the sake of their art, and I think that your account of the way your self-portrait shoot went down, will be rather eye-opening to folks who've never dabbled in dash photography! Thank You so much for being a part of the challenge!!!

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  9. Lauralyn - Such great company! I'm wowed by the work everyone did for this. Thanks again for inspiring us all, I'm honored to be a part. Whether or not you have another SP contest anytime soon, I hope to see more work from each and every one of us soon. (I ALWAYS welcome submissions to my sselfishness Tumblr, hint hint...).

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    1. @Emmer - Great company, inDEED! I would love to think that The Big Ugly Challenge might inspire non-self-portraiture artists to give dash photography a whirl, but also that it will incite artists already experienced in the genre (such as yourself), to continue to make amazing work for the rest of us to admire :) I'm so happy that you shared your compelling image with me for the challenge - THANK You!

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  10. Nice work, everyone. i had intended to submit something myself, but totally missed the deadline. I am glad so many participated.

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    1. @Ted - DANGit, Ted! I'm so bummed that you didn't get your piece in in time! I'm so curious to know how it would've turned out...

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  11. Wow, found this from Molly's Daily Kiss . . . wonderful images and loved following the links and exploring MORE from all the people involved. I'm not a photographer but DO LOVE the pictures and the stories behind them . . . and will be visiting onepoundgallery.com for sure.
    Xxx - K

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    1. @Modesty Ablaze - EXcellent, K! I'm SO happy that you found your way to The Big Ugly Challenge results! (that Molly - she's a SUCH a peach, I swear!) Please do visit one pound - like I said, there's not a lot to see there right now - but things are definitely beginning to take shape at the gallery, so there oughtta be plenty to look at in the very near future :)

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  12. Hello Lauralyn

    I thought you might like to see my blog post about this and couple of the images that didn't make it to you but came about as a result of your challenge

    Mollyxxx

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    1. @Molly - AAAAAHHHHH!!! I'm going straight there, right now - THANK You, Molly!

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  13. I've been a fan of Emmer's photography and am a devoted Molly's Daily Kiss reader/ogler, so I'm thrilled to have found your blog, Lauralyn. These images are amazing. I swear, staring at y'all has been the best part of my morning. ;-)

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    1. @Heather Cole - I'M so thrilled that you found my blog TOO, Heather! And what perfect timing, as for once - it's NOT all about me, hahahaha! I hope you'll come back and visit again :)

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  14. Real People + Real Stories= Real Art... Great Job Lauralyn, You have some awesome followers. I want to see more!!

    AMC 06/20/2013

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  15. I SO wish I would have known about this in time to play along! I followed a link in Molly's blog over here...and what fun this looks like it was for everyone involved. I am lucky and privileged that I usually have at least one of my Guys taking snaps of me in my Rope on the Run, Alphabet Challenge & Scavenger Hunt snaps, but I would very much have enjoyed trying to compose and create one my own with the timer!

    Fantastic blog, fantastic fun!

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    1. @Jade - Well, even though you didn't find out about "The Challenge" in time to submit - I DO hope you'll still take a stab at dash photography! It's a bunch of fun, and I'm certain that you would take some seriously killer snaps! (Let me know if you do!) Thanks for checkin' out my blog, AND for commenting!

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