Self Portrait #1

Until very recently, I've never felt comfortable in my own home or skin. There had always been tension, abuse, and distrust. Over the years, though, I've had the opportunity to work with many women in their own homes; their safe spaces. They trusted me, held space for me, and allowed me to see versions of themselves normally kept hidden from the world. I've learned, in making these pictures that you can only go so long with such trust and vulnerability around you before you start to shed your own armor. I had no idea that with every roll of film I used, allowing my friends to express themselves, I was actually making self portraits. I wanted the world to see me as cold and inaccessible to avoid being hurt but the people around me saw someone warm and honest. They reflected the energy that I tried to keep hidden and taught me that being vulnerable, kind, trusting, and warm is okay.