On Seeing, and Being Seen
October 24, 2011 
It has become obvious to me that I have a thing for portraits. I can't help it. It's just so satisfying to me to capture a fleeting look or a moment of honesty. I have suspected for some time that it's because I experience making a portrait as an act of love. But I wasn't clear on why it felt loving, other than creating something for someone that hopefully makes them feel good about themselves.
But I noticed something about the act of shooting portraits while I was in California last week: it's a way of seeing your subject.
I don't mean, yeah, I see you over there.
I mean SEEING.
As in, you are here before me and in this moment I focus every bit of my attention on you, and who you are, and how you want to be in the world. And I receive all of that.
I think I was primed to notice it because of all the anxiety and vulnerability I felt when I showed up at this place alone and found myself surrounded by 70 extremely talented and soulful women who all had cameras and knew how to use them. I felt so small. I felt so nervous that I wouldn't be seen.
So I did a little hiding out in my room the first day, which totally makes sense if what you want more than anything is to connect, right?
But when I ventured out, there were women there who were ready to connect. And they made me feel seen.
The portraits were a small piece of giving that back. They brought me in touch with the intimacy of the connection that happens when you create a portrait, and clarified for me a piece of my love for the genre.
Camp Shutter Sisters, being seen, portraits, seeing | in photography
Reader Comments (10)
Thank you, Corinna, for seeing me and allowing me to see you. Much love. xoxo
this is so beautifully written and captures feeling to which i can certainly relate. this, along with the other portraits you took at camp, is so beautiful and deliberate and light-filled and captivating. it is amazing what you do. and, yes, you do have a thing for portraits, as you say. me, i call it a gift.
so wonderful to meet your lovely self. truly a treat. xoxo
Corinna,
I am glad you ventured out of your room. That you connected. That you were seen. And that I am able to see and experience your stunning portraits. You (almost) make me want to give this a try - seeing people, seeing myself.
I have noticed lately how easy it is to feel invisible in this world. And at times that feels so good, just what one might need or desire. But other times it just sucks, our ego's are still with us. I am glad you were truly seen last week. It is very apparent how capable you are of fully seeing others. I am looking forward to seeing you and hearing more about your camp. xo
you speak my language, my dear.
OMG...I just realized I forgot to send you the files you wanted. SO sorry! I have the memory of a gnat these days. BUT, I love this post. So soulful. :)
very insightful Corinna. lovely portrait, looking to seeing more. thanks for the nudge of encouragement over on my blog. have a great day!
What a great experience this must have been and what a lovely portrait Corinna--you've captured a really nice expression here.
@Brenda - don't be afraid! No one even has to see them! I took a workshop with Meredith Winn when I was in California - she is an amazing self-portraitist. I have a feeling you'll be seeing more selfies here. To hear her speak of it, it's good self-care. Couldn't hurt to try!
Your photographs are amazing and so are you. You truly have a gift not only with photography but with words. I miss you already.......