“Skin” was a pivot point in my photographic practice. Through this project I started to think more deeply about how I manifest myself in my photography, either intentionally or unintentionally, as well as being the first time I really looked at myself through the photographic lens. The project gained a kind of eroticism as I shot it, in part because this was a very intimidating project for me to shoot. To be vulnerable, was to be naked in front of the camera and to give my camera away and welcome being seen. I felt like I was ripping myself open to my own dismay and trying to photograph what came out. In many ways I was becoming a more mature photographer and a more open woman. The process was messy, stressful and imperfect, but profoundly changed how I photographed and approached projects. Though this project is imperfect, it made me a better photographer. This project is a story of how I learned to start looking at myself.
Also by Clary Estes —
Sign-up for
For more access
For more access