click thumbnail to enlarge, go back in browser (all images, all rights reserved ©2009 Hugh Burden photography)

Matisse, Picasso, Van Gogh, Bacon, Warhol……..(no particular order) and many others, all self portraitists, that was the starting point, the gem of an idea. Not to compare oneself with these esteemed persons you understand.

Beginning the task in hand, what did I have

1. Me
2. Equipment
3. Location….go find!
4. Assistant…not this time – only me, this is a self portrait!
5. A concept…well only that it was a self portrait.

The shoot went well, but tiring-having to carry my own bags, tripod, laptop et al. It was dehydrating- no-one to make or fetch drinks. A bit scary on the streets – no minder. However it was fun, funny and turned out to be an enjoyable creative process.

After strange looks from passers-by, curious lads, an inquisitive police-lady, the odd dog and two cheery cider heads the shoot was finally in the bag (another one to carry)! Excitement over and ready for the quiet of post production in front of my trusty Eizo monitor I set off back to base.

Oh did I mention the miles? I must have clocked up a lot in the  many 10 second bursts, sprinting from camera to pose and back (thinks this could be a new Olympic sport…‘the 10 second portrait run’ – on your marks,  get set,  CLICK).