And so, I begin a quest to find images on DA that meet the following criteria:

Must not be the most "popular" images on here
Must be photography, or photography based
Must contain an element of "punctum" or provoke an emotional response

This first entry is going to focus on some amazing Self Portraits I have found in the SP gallery today. Please visit these artists and give them some feedback.

A self portrait is an intensely personal image in many respects. To capture your own likeness is a difficult thing to do; and for some people, the physical representation of ourselves can be marred or distorted through our own misconceptions and lack of self-acceptance. This is when we must rely on our emotions to speak for us; to portray us honestly. My favorite self portraits are the ones that show a little bit of humanity, humility, honesty and let us see a little bit of the secrets that lurk beneath the surface.

We should not be afraid to show ourselves as who we really are. Sometimes the deepest ugliness can provoke the most intense beauty.

~e0bafa and ~oldPhotoAMD have been the two standout artists from my searches so far.

:icondeve0bafa:
His portraits are vulnerable, thought-provoking, beautiful and intense. It is not often I will identify with or be moved by a male nude; but these have something so harmonious and quietly sad that they sing out to me. An artist who definitely deserves some recognition and respect.





These images are raw and distressing; soft and beautiful yet hard-edged and distressing. There is a glorious darkness in the grit and mould; and the identity of this woman is mysterious and somehow traumatizes me to see her.




Here are some more that echoed within me:

Black and White






Colour: