The Girl with the Camera: Why Photography Is the Ultimate Form of Self-Expression
In a society chronically online, we’re constantly bombarded with content (photos, videos, audios, articles), that hold stories, evoke emotions, and show what’s important to us as individuals. There’s a quote that goes “if you want to know what someone fears losing, watch what they photograph”. It’s a part of our daily lives, not every image will get big a reaction but it can reveal something about us.
Why Photography Is More Than Just Photos
You’ve probably heard someone say, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Valid, but I’d argue: your picture is worth a thousand versions of you. Every time you raise your camera (or your phone), you’re making choices—what to focus on, how to frame, which light works, what mood to lean into. Those choices are you (mood, quirks, perspective), dressed up in an image.
It’s a Mirror, Not a Mask
Photography isn’t about perfection or creating a curated ‘fit for the ‘gram. Instead, it can mirror your inner world — your emotions, your fluctuations, your strange obsessions. In fact, many photographers talk about self-expressive images as being “less about the object, more about your experience of it.” Chris Murray (2022)
It’s your creativity coming to life
We often think of photos as hiding behind filters, editing, and angles. But those creative decisions often reveal the most, and even add to your storytelling. Grain, blur, light leaks — these are your signatures in the image. Many celebrated artists turn that vulnerability into strength which I’m here for (hello, imperfect, complex masterpieces).
The Psychology Behind Photographic Self-Expression
Okay, put on your researcher hat for a sec (but don’t take yourself too seriously). There’s legit science and theory behind why photos can feel so you.
What We Choose to Photograph Reflects Who We Are
We don’t photograph things neutrally. Our perspectives, identities, moods guide what goes into the frame (and what stays out). One photographer puts it: “the choices we make, which lens, which angle, what we isolate from what, all these things say much more about us than about our subjects.” (Eva Rubinstein) So when you obsessively shoot shadows, colours, matcha, or outfits — that’s you speaking visually.
The Photovoice Method & Therapy Uses
Photography isn’t just a hobby—it’s even used in social research and therapy. The “photovoice” method gives people cameras to tell their stories, especially those who find conventional speech limiting. (Psychology Today, 2024) In therapy, people may be asked to take “moments” photos to externalise feelings, build awareness, and spark reflection.
Why not create a solo date around photography? Give yourself a theme for the day and see what you can create because you’re tapping into tools humans use to heal, connect, and understand themselves.
How to Use Photography to Express Yourself (With Playful Prompts)
Ready to let your camera become your loudspeaker (but in a soft, artsy way)? Here’s how:
Mood, Colour & Composition as Your Signature
Colour palette: Are your images moody and desaturated? Or dreamy pastels? That becomes your visual voice.
Lighting: Harsh light, golden hour, shadows — each says something.
Framing & negative space: What you leave out is as loud as what you include.
If every other photographer in your feed shoots soft pastels, maybe you lean into deep shadows or neon. Don’t be afraid to stand out. If you’re unsure, it’s a great time to experiment. Figure out what grabs your attention, what aesthetics appeal to you more than others?
Self-Portraits, Alter Egos & Authenticity
Self-portraits can feel cringey (been there). But they’re such a direct way to express your inner world. Some artists even create alter egos as characters—think stylised outfits, props, personas. Juno Calypso is well known for constructing a fictional “Joyce” alter ego in her self-portraits. Your alter ego doesn’t need to be dramatic. It could be “artsy me,” “wellness girlie,” or “glam star”
BE Curious, Be Weird, Mess Up
You know those quirks you hide? Put them on film. Try motion blur, double exposures, lens distortions, underexposed edges. It doesn’t have to look “clean”—the messy parts are emotional. That photographer Chris Murray writes that “self-expressive images ultimately are about you… your way of seeing… manifested in how you compose… and process.” (Chris Murray) (Also I wanted to have a catchy motto as the title for this section and it reminded me of Crime Junkie’s (my favourite podcast!) 5th life rule “Be weird. Be rude. Stay alive.”)
playful prompts
Here are playful, low-pressure prompts:
Your mood in one object - pick something in your room that “feels” like you today and shoot it
Shadow self-portrait - use strong window light and shoot only your silhouette or shadow
Double exposure / overlay - combine a face or body shot with a texture (leaves, clouds)
Colour splash - pick one accent color and only include things with that colour.
Unexpected mirror - use broken mirror pieces, old glass, or reflections to distort your portrait.
After each shoot, pick one image and ask: “Does this feel like me today?” If yes, keep it. If not, bin it. No guilt.
I dare you…
So here’s your dare: pick one prompt from above, shoot something a little weird or imperfect, then share/tag me so I can celebrate your self-expression!
If you made it this far, drop a “💖” in the comments ‘cause you’re a real one.
