Why I Photograph Myself (And Why I Think Every Creative Should)

Lately, I’ve been spending some time in front of my own camera.

Not because I’ve run out of clients. Not because I suddenly love being photographed. But because creativity needs fed.

As photographers, we’re always encouraging other people to step outside their comfort zones, try new things, trust the process and embrace a little vulnerability. It only feels right that we do the same ourselves.

These self-portrait projects have given me permission to play. No deadlines. No expectations. No pressure to create something perfect. Just an opportunity to experiment, learn, and remind myself why I picked up a camera in the first place.

The funny thing is that some of my favourite images have come from simply messing about with an idea and seeing where it goes. Creativity doesn’t always arrive when you’re working. Sometimes it appears when you’re having fun.

I genuinely believe that staying creative makes me a better photographer for my clients too. Every time I try a new technique, test a different lighting setup, or challenge myself to tell a story with a self-portrait, I’m adding another tool to the box.

So if you’ve spotted my increasingly odd self-portrait series and wondered what on earth I’m up to, the answer is simple: practising what I preach.

Because creativity is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets.

And honestly? Sometimes it’s just nice to be a little bit daft and create something beautiful along the way.