Reflections on a Year of Daily Self Portraits

In this (unusually long) post I reflect on this year long project, show you video compilations of all the photos in 4 parts, choose some of my favourites (and explain why) and link to a slideshow of all 366 photos.

You may need to click on READ MORE at the bottom of this post to see all of it.

A year of taking a photograph of yourself every day is a big challenge to take on - especially when you have a chronic debilitating illness like ME/CFS.

When I took the first photograph a year ago I wasn’t sure if I would last more than a week or two.  I certainly wasn’t confident that I’d manage a photo every day.  My mantra from the start was “I’m in control of the project - it’s not in control of me“.

I liked the idea of an artistic approach - to approach the same subject, day in day out and to find creative ways to explore it.  To have to force myself to think about different approaches.  Having me as the subject matter meant I would always have easy access to the subject :o)  But I began to realise that even if I was unable to engage artistically every day these daily self portraits would become a record of my life with CFS/ME.

Having been formally diagnosed just five months earlier it also documentated a part of my coming to terms with my chronic illness with all the ups and downs and emotional/physical/mental upheaval that would bring.

There were days when I relished the challenge and indeed I can see the improvement in my photography both technically and creatively. 

There were days when I didn’t want to carry on and then days when I whooped for joy at what I had accomplished.

There were days when I felt so ill, weak or exhausted that I struggled to hold the camera.  Sometimes you’ll see a straightforward head and shoulders shot with a fuzzy focus from my shaking arm. Or on one of those days a shot clearly dictated by wherever I was able to rest the camera in order to press the shutter button.

Looking back through the year of photos I see many things.  It’s a personal journey and I have surprised myself at my willingness (and ability to cope with) sharing this part of myself with the world.  When you are largely housebound and unable to do simple day to day tasks it can result in some pretty honest portraits of yourself.

I see sadness and laughter, pain and joy, exhaustion and bounce, smiles and frowns.  And for a large amount of the pictures - even a lot of the straightforward head and shoulders shots - it evokes memories of the moment I took the photo, the circumstances, the situation, the pain or joy of the day.

1st Quarter: 4 May - 3 Aug 2007

2nd Quarter: 4 Aug - 3 Nov 2007

3rd Quarter: 4 Nov - 3 Feb 2008

4th Quarter: 4 Feb - 3 May 2008

As cliched as it may sound I learnt a lot about myself through doing this.  I’m a little more comfortable in my own skin than when I set out.  I have proven to myself my determination and my aptitude for creativity.  I’ve developed my skills and kindled a passion for photography.  I’ve made many discoveries.

Throughout the year my constant source of strength has been Paul.  He’s been as important to this project as my camera(s) have.  Without his daily support, encouragement and assistance (and sherper duties) I would never have had this opportunity.  I love him very much.

Now that the year is over I feel relieved, happy, sad, emotional and proud. I know I am going to miss it but I’m very glad it’s over. 

What I am really excited about is what comes next.  I am excited to know how my photography will develop  without the rigid rules but with my new found skills and confidence.  I want to know what my photostream will look like without all the self portraits.

I could say so much but in typical ME/CFS fashion I’m struggling with words. Mainly I’d like the photos to do most of the talking.

My Favourite 25 Photos from the Year

I’ve chosen 25 of my favourite photographs from the year with a little explanation of why they are special to me.  It was tough to narrow it down but perhaps my choices will explain a little more of the process, the challenges and the triumphs.

[PHOTO] 14 May 2007 - Self and Chair

One of my favourites overall.  Also the most “popular” photograph on Flickr from