Self-portraits on film
I got this idea when I was taking another self portrait - I removed the mirror from the wall and put it on the table, and then I saw the clouds reflect in the mirror.
I started experimenting with digital self-portraits around 2023, usually just a couple of times a year. Over the past few weeks, however, I’ve been creating them weekly. What started as a simple practice has grown into a restorative, introspective ritual almost like meditation - where I can be fully present with myself and my camera. After years of constantly pushing beyond my comfort zone (sometimes too hard), this practice feels exactly like what I need right now
I’ve been experimenting with different techniques and filters, like double exposures, slow shutter speed and using different props. I really enjoy going to flea markets and thrift shops to look for small objects to incorporate into my portraits, like the lace fabric and small mirrors you’ll see in many of the shots below. I’m always on the lookout for interesting textures and reflective surfaces, small mirrors, fabrics, filters..
One of the things I love about shooting film is how it encourages experimentation while also making me more deliberate about what I truly like. Since I started shooting more thoughtfully and arranging scenes more intentionally (but still, often without a clear plan), I’ve enjoyed the outcome far more. Often while I’m capturing one image, I notice something else I want to try and that naturally leads to the next shot. I rarely feel fully “ready” when I start. I just begin and let the process unfold - what has been really important for me is to have a clear space, like a corner of a room, where I can get started immediately when I feel the inspiration hit.
Lately I’ve been shooting primarily in black and white because it allows me to focus fully on composition, textures, and shadows without the distraction of color. For example, on a sunny day, the wall I usually shoot against reflects a yellow light that really bothers me. Shooting in black and white lets me concentrate on the shapes, contrasts, and mood I want to capture.
All shot with Nikon FE with 50mm 1.8 and 35mm 2.0 lenses. From two rolls of Ilford XP2 super 400. I use a tripod and the camera’s built in self timer for these.
An attempt at using a “splitzer filter” for double exposures - this came out better than expected!
It took me a while to figure out what had happened with this shot, but then I remembered I’d accidentally forgotten to turn on the self-timer. The first photo was just the wall, without me. Once I realized, I took another shot with myself in it, which is why the texture of the wall seems to wrap around me. I like how it looks a little washed out, like very old film.
Using the splitzer filter, again - I must have accidentally moved the camera a little bit between the frames
Slow shutter speed - I think I shot this one at 1/15 or 1/8 of a second
My usual double exposure leaf and mirror
This was an interesting experiment for a double exposure! Basically I used thick watercolor paper and made that rip in it, with black paper underneath. I then made another exposure which is what you see in the middle.
This was surprisingly hard to set up, because you have to get the focus right on the reflection, not on the mirror.
First of the roll - mirror self portrait with a multi image filter
Playing with a small light and lace
Let me know if you had a favorite! And if you want to see more, you can follow my film account on Instagram.