The hands over the eyes and mouth create such strong messaging here through self-portraiture, it feels as though she is being silenced or controlled. I love the use of black and white, removing colour in an image with this much tension really stops the viewer’s eye from wandering away from the subject. The eyes and hands immediately draw your attention, and the beautiful use of motion blur and multiple exposure helps depict the sense of her internal world being a struggle. Beautifully composed.
2,154 Images entered
This image clearly shows the passion, and the frustration that absolutely comes with a deep interest in a subject. It’s an in-depth and complicated scene that not everyone would be willing to take the time set up and create, which really demonstrates the photographer’s passion for macro photography. I personally feel that the white coat adds an extra layer, almost making the scene feel like a scientific experiment, which is a really interesting touch. This image really jumped out at me while looking through all of the entries, and it’s a very strong Top 10 image.
1,067 Photographers
I love this image, it’s very different from the way others have approached the brief, this stunning multi-exposure image offers an extremely creative and thought-provoking interpretation. The use of neon light creates depth and contrast within the frame, while also suggesting a sense of connection between the different elements of the portrait.
57,227 Ratings
This is a lovely example of double exposure, creating a sense of reflection and connection with the subject. The neutral expression almost invites the viewer to project their own emotions onto the portrait, which makes the image feel quite personal and open to interpretation. The colour palette is also beautiful, soft, subtle and very tonal, which complements the overall mood of the image.
I had already placed this image in the top ten before reading the description, and it’s wonderful to see that the message comes across so clearly without needing the words. The image speaks to me about masking and compliance within a world that often feels wired for neurotypical thinking, and that idea is communicated beautifully through the self-portrait. The lighting is clean and the editing feels soft and controlled, which allows the concept to remain the focus. A thoughtful and very well executed image, well done.
I love that this image was created during the pandemic lockdown, yet the image transcends the literal moment through its powerful symbolism. It feels timeless and speaks to parts of ourselves that can feel constricted, hidden and fragile. The soft, dreamy blue tones create a dreamlike atmosphere, which works beautifully alongside the delicate blue butterflies. Love this as a concept.
Firstly, the pain in the eyes draws you into the image. The double exposure of the scream underneath, coupled with the light leak and scratch overlays, really adds depth and atmosphere to this self-portrait. Together these elements create a strong sense of anguish and inner turmoil, telling a powerful visual story.
This is such a striking and memorable self-portrait. The use of honey and the bee immediately creates a strong sense of attraction conflicting with danger, seemingly existing together in harmony within the image. The idea that sweetness can both seduce and cause harm is a complex human emotion depicted here, suggesting temptation, vulnerability and risk. The warmth and richness of the colours are stunning as well, adding to the impact of the image. A really thought-provoking interpretation.
This image is very powerful. The contrast between the version of himself lying asleep on the bed, completely disengaged from the camera, and the semi-transparent figure making direct eye contact works really well. The contrast between the fully opaque version and the translucent one creates an interesting sense of separation between the two versions of the self that leaves you questioning why? I also like the lighting and the choice of black and white, which adds to the mood of the image.
This image is very powerful. The direct eye contact, tight framing and deep contrast immediately draw the viewer in. There is an interesting ambiguity around what the water represents, and the way it runs along the tear duct suggests an emotional element within the portrait. The black and white treatment works beautifully here, and I love how the photographer has captured the movement of the water as it falls from his face. Beautiful!
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Brief
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Turning the camera on oneself, in a considered way, can be not only an exercise in photographic technique, but also one of psychological exploration, of one’s self image, confidence, and the way in which we want to portray ourselves to the wider world. The great artists of history have often turned to themselves for subject matter, and in doing so have left a thoughtful and revealing record of the artist that will survive them.
This is a very striking self-portrait. The tight crop and strong eye contact immediately draw the viewer in, creating an intense and personal connection with the subject. The use of shadow across the face adds depth and mystery, while the sharp focus on the eye becomes a powerful focal point within the image.
This is a very striking and creative self-portrait. The use of contrasting red and blue lighting immediately creates drama and separation between the two versions of the subject. The double exposure suggests different aspects of identity, while the strong eye contact from the red subject anchors the viewer’s attention and adds intensity to the overall image.
This is a very powerful and emotive self-portrait. I love that you can't really tell what is what. The use of motion blur and multiple exposures creates a strong sense of internal chaos and emotional tension. The dark background isolates the subject beautifully, allowing the movement of the hands and face to become the focus, effectively communicating a feeling of struggle or overwhelm.
This is a very striking and creative self-portrait. The fragmented composition immediately draws attention to the subject’s expression, creating a sense of tension and disconnection. The strong eye contact anchors the image, while the black and white treatment enhances the contrast and mood, allowing the viewer to focus fully on the emotion within the portrait.
