The Self-Portrait Thread - Post yourself here

[BlueX]

I've seen a quite a few self portraits out there and thought it would be nice to "meet" everyone in one thread. I always like putting a face to a screen name.

Like many photographers, I feel much more comfortable behind the lens. But I do have a lot of self portraits on my computer. That's because I am my most convenient model. No one in my family has the patience to stand around a pose for me while I experiment with lights, reflectors, settings, etc... And I cannot pay for a pro model (not in this economy). Once in a while I am even surprised with a nice picture, which isn't easy considering my face. :(

This picture started out as an experiment with my flash and wireless receiver. I was trying to recreate a certain look that I've like since I first seen it. If anyone is familiar with the P90x workout dvds (or the cover to Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do book), this will look familiar. Then I use the picture as part of a graphics class assignment. That's where the wings came from. I have a thing about angels and winged beings.

[jjeling]

Yeah I am familiar with P90x. I was actually going to borrow that from my cousin, but our friend needs to use it before his wedding. haha, anyways, once he is done with it I will get it. Does it actually work? If you use it I would have to say yes. Nice jot too, looks like you had a reall good can of red bull.

[BlueX]

Red bull...???...Oh I get it! Haha. Yeah.

P90x does work, sort of. Results may vary. I am chronically skinny. I weight less now than I did in high school (more than 10 yrs ago) and it takes a lot for me to put on muscle and maintain it. Here's the result of the 1st 90 days, a noticeable difference, but not the results I was hoping for. It will take me more than 90 days for me. The work outs are tough and the hardest part is keeping the motivation and discipline to work out everyday. Time becomes a big factor if you have a busy schedule. My biggest advice if you are going to start this is get into a routine where you will almost automatically do it everyday and push yourself as hard as you can, you only get out what you put into it. I guess that was 2 things, huh? Oh yeah, the diet part is also important too.

[kat]

Hmm..easier than the old weights in the gym? That is what I do.

It's definately not easy to gain weight. I do the creatine, protein thing for now. Eating as much as I can (of course the healthy chicken, brown rice thing). Trying to gain weight (muscle).

You're doing well!!! Keep it up!

[jjeling]

haha. yeah. At 5'10 im about 170, not that skinny but there is relatively little body fat. The weight is mostly in my legs. Ive always been able to eat whatever I want and don't gain a pound. My cousin had this and it worked for him as well but he didnt stick with it. Pushing myself isnt the problem. I still do almost 100 pushups everyday, its the diet part that is going to kill me. I dont eat terribly, its just forcing myself to eat things that I might not feel like eating. I can put on weight fast if I start weight training, but this is quite the opposite. Curious, what kind of results were you expecting?

[tomorrowstreasures]

wonderful sp!!! not bad on the hard earned 6 pack too!

[jjeling]

KAT?!?! I would have never expected that from you. Ive never heard of a woman taking creatine and protein. You are a different breed up there, different, but kind of cool. Not sure how much money your willing to spend on supplements and what not, but I used something called NO2 which worked really well for adding muscle. Its quite expensive, there is a generic version called NO2x. A little cheaper and does the same thing I guess.

[kat]

KAT?!?! I would have never expected that from you. Ive never heard of a woman taking creatine and protein. You are a different breed up there, different, but kind of cool. Not sure how much money your willing to spend on supplements and what not, but I used something called NO2 which worked really well for adding muscle. Its quite expensive, there is a generic version called NO2x. A little cheaper and does the same thing I guess.

Right now I have Creakic from Muscletech. Seems to be alright. I've only started up on it again. Want to get some gain before summer.

Oh..I love the look of a defined woman. Not crazy define but fitness define. I absolutely love Jenn Gates.. these photos are awesome (the complete series in Flex Magazine is sweet)

http://www.hardbody.com/news/2008/12...s-photo-shoot/

[kat]

I've seen the ads for the NO2 but haven't put much thought into them..Pete does all the buying. He's into bodybuilding. Absolutely great way to keep the stress down in the winter!!!

[BlueX]

Wow, Kat, that surprised me too. I don't hear too many women wanting to take creatine. I find these dvds more motivating and structured vs weight training on my own.

As far as diet, I have cut out processed and prepackaged food (almost completely) and fast foods. I try to eat more veggies than I use to. I try eating 3 dinner sized meals a day and at least one protein shake (muscle milk). I also take creatine. The problem is my metabolism is so fast, it all just passes right through me. I try to constantly chew on something, but I sometimes I don't have anything good. It gets expensive after a while.

Here is where I would like to be.