I'm not sure what motivated me to take my first self-portrait. I remember buying a remote for my DSLR camera during a trip to New Mexico, and in no time I was in a patch of lavender outside of a hotel in Albuquerque, sitting on a a few fire ants and trying my best to look relaxed. The photos turned out better than I could have ever anticipated. Especially considering the ants.
Fast forward to May of this year, and again I felt compelled to photograph myself, but this time I felt like I had so much more purpose. I knew the story of me and my motorcycle was a unique one. I also knew I could grow immensely (as a photographer and a person being photographed) by putting the self-portrait parameter around these images.
Throughout the rest of the summer and into autumn, I've made a lot of strong developments in my ability to storytell through portraiture. At the very least, I've created imagery that is at once true to my life and a performative artistic expression. My helmets and I have become a character, and crafting these tales with a lens has opened up a new realm for my creativity.
Below is a selection of some of my favorite moto self-portraits from the past riding season. For more of them in real time, follow me at @starknakked on Instagram.
My Gear
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens - Very flattering, affordable prime lens for portraits
JOBY GorillaPod - An essential compact tripod
Wireless Remote - I occasionally use this instead of a timer
Canon EOS Rebel T3i Digital SLR Camera Body (discontinued) - My camera is discontinued, but they've continued the Ti series. I love the articulating screen.
Helmet → https://amzn.to/2yXsYvc
Visor → https://amzn.to/2tNCIlX
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