self portraiture


Self-portraiture has always held a special place in my creative journey. There's something inherently challenging about turning the lens on yourself—it forces you to step out of your comfort zone and experiment with new techniques and ideas. Recently, I set out on a snowy day to create a series of self-portraits, and I wanted to share the inspiration and process behind them.

Red roses bloom through white snow in a winter forest landscape with snow-covered evergreen trees in the background.
Snow-covered evergreen trees reach upward against a winter sky, with branches draped in fresh white snow.

Inspiration.


The inspiration for this photoshoot came from my love for the contrast and serenity of winter landscapes. There’s something oddly intriguing about flowers sprouting from the snow—a delicate symbol of growth and resilience against a stark, cold backdrop. In a way, this shoot also mirrors how I’ve been feeling during this season—trying to find beauty in the cold days and light in harsh situations. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I decided to weave a touch of romance into the shoot with soft, warm tones and the gentle fall of snow.


Self-portraiture is as much about the process as it is about the final image. For me, it’s about embracing discomfort, both physically and creatively, and pushing myself to tell a story that resonates. Setting up these images required patience and a willingness to experiment.

Beautiful bouquet of pink and deep red roses lying in fresh white snow with blurred winter background.

Colours, Florals, and Contrast.


The colour palette for this shoot was carefully chosen to complement the winter setting. Soft pinks and whites paired beautifully with the snow, while the addition of florals added a touch of life and intrigue. The juxtaposition of vibrant blooms against a cold, muted landscape felt symbolic—a quiet celebration of beauty even in the harshest conditions.

A figure in a red dress poses in snowy winter scene with red roses scattered in the snow against evergreen trees.
A red dress stands out against snowy winter forest scenery surrounded by scattered red roses in fresh powder snow.
Person in red ruffled dress poses elegantly among red flowers in snowy winter forest setting.

The Process.


Creating these images was a mix of planning and spontaneity. Armed with my tripod and a remote shutter release, I set out to capture the scenes I envisioned. My Sony A7IV, paired with my 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN lens, allowed me the flexibility to shoot wide and close-up angles. Here are some key details about the process:

  • Settings: I shoot in manual mode, adjusting my aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to suit the available light. For this series, I kept my aperture wide at f/2.8 to create a shallow depth of field, drawing attention to the florals and soft snowfall.
  • Locations: To add variety, I experimented with different backdrops—a snowy trail, a woodpile, and the quiet embrace of trees. Each location brought its own mood and texture to the series.
  • Challenges: Working with a remote shutter meant frequent trips back and forth to adjust composition and focus. It’s a workout, but it’s also a rewarding part of the process. Snow was falling gently that day, which added an extra layer of atmosphere but also required careful timing to keep the lens clear. The chilly air meant that frequent warm up sessions were also required. I also spent so much time finding the perfect locations that I got lost in the process. Luckily, with sharing my location my husband was able to track me down.


A bright red dress creates striking contrast against snow-covered evergreen branches in a winter forest setting.
Winter bridal portrait with red dress and pink and red roses bouquet against snowy forest background.
Red dress against a snowy winter forest backdrop with snow-covered logs in the background.

Behind-the-Scenes Fun


One of the most enjoyable parts of this shoot was capturing behind-the-scenes videos. From setting up the tripod to arranging the flowers in the snow, these moments added an extra dimension to the story. Sharing these clips allows me to connect with others who are curious about the process and might be inspired to try self-portraiture themselves.

A red dress contrasts beautifully against snowy evergreen branches in a dreamy winter forest portrait.
A red ruffled dress stands out against a snowy winter forest scene with red roses scattered in the snow.
Person in a red dress poses elegantly in snow with red and white flowers arranged around them.
Person in flowing red dress poses with roses against snowy winter forest backdrop.
A figure in a flowing red dress stands in a snowy forest clearing surrounded by red roses emerging from the white snow.
Woman in red dress holding bouquet of deep red roses poses against snowy log backdrop in winter forest setting.
Figure in flowing red dress stands among snow-covered evergreens with red flowers scattered in snowy foreground.
A person in a flowing red dress stands among snow-covered evergreen branches in a wintery forest setting.
A flowing red dress contrasts beautifully against a snow-covered winter forest with evergreen trees and scattered red roses.

If you’ve ever had an idea for a creative shoot, let’s bring it to life. Whether it’s something unconventional, dreamy, or deeply personal, I’m almost guaranteed to be down for the challenge. Self-portraiture has taught me to embrace the unknown and find beauty in unexpected places—and I’d love to collaborate with you on your vision.