November Others, Mirrors, Self Submission from Chrissy

"My image will be considered out of the box...My reflection I found in a water drop on a leaf....I took this back in August and noticed how the droplet reflected the blue sky...Abstract isn't it? such is life, and I can be at times...also the sky is the limit for everyone, you can choose any path or not...I am at a time in my life where I am choosing out of the box...and I'm enjoying it.." -- Chris

Others, Mirror, Self Submission from Robert

"This is a photo of Helga's niece Zena. This was not a posed picture, as I recall. Just a happy accident that revealed a moment of time in a girl's life where she is hovering between childhood and womanhood, wistful, expectant, poised and forward looking. I think the photo reminds me of an innocence lost, the beauty and power of the Feminine, and the my own journey forward to follow and flow in grace." -- Robert

Others, Mirror, Self : New Mirror, Mirror Category

In light of the photo that Billy submitted of his granddaughter and one I just received from Robert P., I am announcing a new Mirror, Mirror category: Others, Mirrors, Self.

As photographers, amateur or professional, every photograph we take reveals something of our self. It reflects something we are interested in, something we might desire, something that gives us pleasure, something that reveals a deep feeling about ourselves.

So in this category, Others, Mirror, Self (thank you Robert for the name) you can submit a picture of someone else mirrored in a reflective surface. You do not have to be in the frame, but you need to have taken the picture. And most important, I would like you to share what this picture or this person reflects to you about your self.

I look forward to seeing your submissions!

P.S. You can use recent or past photos in any of the Mirror, Mirror categories.

November Mirror, Mirror Challenge Submission from Jesse

"The girls don't look too happy having to pose for pictures in the bathroom. They should be proud to show off their new sports bra-looking Comfort Harnesses. But maybe they knew these wouldn't be very professional shots -- I forgot to clean the toothpaste spatters of the mirror!"-- Jesse

November Mirror, Mirror Challenge Submission from Robert P.

"This picture was taken in the men's bathroom of a German restaurant this summer. There was this wacky slide show advertising that was rear-projected into the bathroom mirror so I wanted to capture this strange, curious, insidious? form of advertising on camera. So I took a picture of yours truly. Just as I did so, the VIP advertisement came up in the mirror. Coincidence? In my own eyes, I have always viewed myself as a very unimportant person. But the mirror held a different view of me. So my own reflection contains a commentary from a foreign source that was simultaneously outside me and inside me. My moment of Zen for the day." -- Robert P.

November Wild, Wild Card Submission from Billy

OK, technically this isn't a Mirror Mirror photo, but Billy sent me this today...and ah, shucks, it's so sweet I had to put it in. It's a photo of Billy's granddaughter, and yes I do see her reflection Billy. Besides, if you had widened the shot just a hair, I bet I would have seen her grandpa reflected in the window, too!

November Mirror Mirror Challenge Submission from Judy

"This picture has a special meaning for me. Just before I came to California I had a formal photo taken. In that photo I was wearing the blouse I'm wearing in this picture. After I got to California, my weight increased and I put the blouse away. A few weeks ago I was cleaning some things out of the attic and found the blouse. What a pleasant surprise to find that once again it fits. So I decided to help remind me of my goals by wearing it to Thanksgiving dinner. It worked." -- Judy F.

November Out and About

I went over to a friend's condo to photograph all of the beautiful bouquets she received for her birthday. The day was one of those unbelievable California fall days. Her Sausalito condo faces the San Francisco Bay and the light, which comes through her plate glass windows, makes everything look and feel magical. I am not sure how this photograph happened except I was across the room and turned and looked back into a mirrored wall. The wall is reflecting the Birds of Paradise bouquet and the Sausalito hills...and me. I love the blurriness of this photo, the aqua hills, and the pinky red of my shirt and the flowers. I feel alive in this photo, as I did in the moment I took the shot...alive and filled with the mystery of the existence of magic in the moment.

Mirror, Mirror November Submission from Julie

I took this picture of my husband and me on our first night of vacation at The Edgewater in Seattle. We were sitting on the outside deck enjoying the sunset and I noticed a perfect reflection of us in the window. I like this photo not only because it captured a beautiful moment in time, but also because this moment perfectly reflects my love of photography, the ocean and my husband all wrapped together in a lovely package. -- Julie S.

November Out and About Submission from Billy

I took this at Keeneland (race track in Lexington, KY) today! It was an absolutely beautiful day! 70 degrees and no wind or humidity Life is good in Kentucky this week! -- Billy

November Mirror, Mirror Challenge Submission from Chrissy

"It's been about 2 months since I have posted a photo.... I've had some bad Karma happen and I've been distracted by it.... Took this one today, hopefully u can see me... My favorite RayBan Flight sunglasses... They happen to be mirrored which definitely hides the expression in my eyes which for the past two months have been experiencing shock, sadness and fear.... I am better now, things are looking up....As someone said to me " Find your zen".... so that's what I am doing..." -- Chrissy

Mirror, Mirror Wild Card November

While waiting for my plane to Philadelphia last month, I came across this exhibit of resin disks created by Fred Eversley. There were seven of them in varying sizes and colors. I walked up to them and saw my reflection and thought oooooo Mirror, Mirror! I liked how the disk transformed the bland airport view into something magical. And I was in the middle of it! Here's the other photos.

Mirror Mirror November Submission from Billy

"Here is my entry for November. I took the afternoon off today to run some errands. I stopped to get gas and two Antique Hudson Automobiles were there. I grabbed my camera and started shooting. The paint finish on this 1949 Hudson was so perfect that I was able to make an entry for November. I love cars and I was so impressed with this one. Thank goodness that some people are smart enough to save these for future generations to enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" -- Billy

Mirror Mirror Challenge November

OMG Thanksgiving is almost here! What have I been doing???? I took this photo last month while visiting my sister in Philadelphia. I was waiting for her to finish in an antique store and loved this mirror that was for sale in the store. I felt calm in this photo and very comfortable with myself. I liked the sunshine coming through the storefront window, and I liked the red of the Oriental rugs under my feet.This other picture I took in front of a lady's vanity. I liked how the sunlight formed a "third eye" on my forehead, and in retrospect it reminded me that even while focusing on the form of things (taking photos, beauty and make up, objects to purchase) my spiritual self is still present.

Wild Card Mirror Mirror Submission: HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

I Am All Bones But I Have a Heart
Originally uploaded by beautiful my mane

"I Am All Bones But I Have a Heart"
Taken at the Reflections Exhibit at the Exploratorium in San Francisco. I am taking a photo of myself reflected back in a mirror -- you had your choice of bones, organs, or nervous system overlay. A unique way of seeing your reflection. Photos I took at this exhibit will be available to view on Flickr.

October Mirror Mirror Submission from Judy

"We all wear our masks; the exceptional professional, the happy-go-lucky kid. I like this mask; A bit mysterious. I purchased this on a trip to Mardi Gras several years ago. I've never worn it to a party but it has been on the wall in my office since my return. It captures for me the excitement of Mardi Gras, the dark animalistic nature of Louisiana and the fun of catching beads, and dancing in the streets." -- Judie

Mirror, Mirror Out and About October

Early in the month, my husband and I took a quick trip up to Mendocino for the night. Spectacular fall weather, that lazy Indian Summer sun warming up the cool air. Then coming back cutting through the Anderson Valley, we went through that wonderful (and all too short) stretch of roadway in which Redwoods line the two sides of the tarmac. There is something so awesome, so magical about Redwoods. They convey a sense of peace, silence, union with the earth, sky, and beyond. If you ever have the chance to go to Muir Woods, or be near redwoods -- do it! There is a cathedral sense that pervades the area around you, a hush even admidst the crowds of tourists. Speeding along the roadway, through these grand old trees, you still get the feeling you are driving through something sacred. The light has a primordial sense to it. Worth capturing on camera, even if it falls short in magnificence. And my image reflects the happiness I felt in that moment.

October Mirror, Mirror Challenge

Oh my. Where did the month go to?

As I careen through my life it seems I've always been in pursuit of answering the question -- Who am I? Who am I, separate from what I can see around me? Who am I, separate from what I do? Who am I separate from friends, lovers, husbands, family? People say, "You are such and such," based on all of the above criteria (and more). In the past, my tendency was to either take what people said into consideration, or to rebel and discarded it immediately upon hearing it, or discount it because it didn't feel entirely true. But I have also discovered that you have to start someplace and the someplace is acknowledging all these sides of yourself, and the answer is to continue to live in the perpetual question: Who am I?

The above photo was taken in one of my favorite Napa/Alexander Valley stopping places -- the Jimtown Store in Healdsburg, CA. I was wandering around looking at the country antiques they have in the back, and started taking some photos. Saw a good opportunity to catch a Mirror, Mirror shot. And all of sudden my husband Munro sneaked up on me, horning in on the shot. He just makes me laugh -- I think that's one BIG reason why we have been able to stay together for 30 years! We make each other laugh! So looking at this photo I can see this about myself: I have an eye for composition, I take delight in surprises, I enjoy companionship -- I love my husband!

September Out and About Submission from Sheri

"One more for September. My son, myself, my mother."-- Sheri

September Mirror Mirror Challenge Submission from Sheri

"I have been anxiously awaiting my reflection this month! At first I hated this shot, so, of course I had to try and perfect it. Upon a second look, I kind of like it. My family was at a karate graduation for my 7-year-old son. Glancing over at my boyfriend, in the lobby, I saw myself! It is a neat composition, Matt's figure is the canvas, my reflection, my mother's profile off to the side and in the background, the students and the audience." -- Sheri

September Mirror Mirror Challenge from Chrissy

"I think u can tell this was taken in my bedroom, right in front of my mirror and right next to my grandma's one and only bud vase... I inherited this vase after she passed and I remember it as a kid... Always loved it... She use to keep a fresh flower in it always... I also keep my keepsakes in that dish u see in front...." -- Chrissy

September Mirror Mirror Challenge from Jesse

the watcher
Originally uploaded by bulgakov1990

I kipped this photo from my brother Jesse's Mirror Mirror Flickr set, since he's too busy to send it in himself! He took this in my mother's dining room mirror and set it up so you can see the wonderful painting of the woman, who seems to be watching him. He calls this photo "The Watcher".

September Out and About from Virginia

When I was in Kentucky, my brother and I went to a local museum exhibit about the amusement park we went to as children, Fontaine Ferry. I have so many wonderful memories of being there. It was so incredible to be able to see memorabilia from the park and even get to play the game to beat all games in my book -- Skee Ball. Being at this exhibit, brought out the little girl in me -- it felt wonderful. The only thing missing was the pink cotton candy! Here are a few of my favorite pics, and I have more on Flickr.

September Wild Card Submission from Virginia

Mirror Mirror
Originally uploaded by beautiful my mane

I am taking an e-course called Bones of the Poet, hosted by Madelyn Mulvaney (checkout her blog Persisting Stars). It challenges you to look at and take photos in a different way, not so structured, involving all of senses. Really like this and looking forward to seeing what emerges.
This was a quickie assignment -- lock your self in the bathroom and click away. Very randomely -- I liked how the camera caught the light from the fixture and how you see me in both mirrors1

September Mirror Mirror Challenge from Billy

"Here is my Sept. entry. I had an assignment from work to take pictures of all of the stone signs I could find. I did not know that my reflection was in it until I put the pics on my PC. I guess it is a lot like life. You never know what you are going to get." -- Billy

Mirror Mirror Challenge September

Hello all! It's fall and everything is starting to change...but whether it's fall or not...I am always seeing a change in myself -- whether it's the way I look or feel or think about things. I've been in Kentucky, my birth state, since September 3rd, and I've had quite a few opportunities to take some creative Mirror Mirror photos, some with my brother whom I have been visiting, and who also contributes to this blog.
This first photo is a body shot in my friend Janet's dining room mirror. I like how it the light highlights my necklace -- this is the kind of shot I would like to see of my oriels -- how they can be worn -- mixed with other colors and strands of beads -- kind of free, loose, and easy...kind of like me in the moment when I took this picture!

This next picture was taken in Janet's colorful living room in this cool mirrored lamp base. Not the best composition, but I like the mix of colors in the painting of the horse race and the dress I'm wearing. Wish I was smiling though!


And the final pic is back in the dining room mirror. Even though I think I look old in this photo-- I like my attitude -- a little bit wild, free, and challenging the world's preoccupation with aging, I think!

Mirror Mirror Challenge August Submission from Judy F.

"Oh, Virginia, My photo is called On Hold. Today was frustrating until I thought "I'll photograph it for Mirror Mirror." I called Comcast to straighten out a billing problem. I talked with a very nice young man who said he couldn't do anything and would transfer me to someone who could. So, I was sent on and put on hold. I was on hold for about two hours and decided to call on my cell phone and see if I could get some help without losing my place in line. I went through the same procedure with the same result. Now I had a phone in each ear. It started to get very funny except for the crick in my neck. So I hung up the cell phone and tried again. By now it was three hours and still cliimbing. The woman I got on the line then took over gother supervisor and is working on the problem. She took my name and they are calling me back when the problem is resolved. It just proves that when you leave it to a woman, things get done." -- Judy F.

Mirror Mirror Challenge August Submission from Jesse

"While working on other things, this month, my mind wasn’t focusing much on reflections. Something I’ve wanted to do this past July, but was distracted by too many things. While letting my brain do its natural evolutionary thing – vegging out on the TV screen, I was amused to see a shot of Hannibal Lector reflected on a Plexiglas barrier next to the image of Clarice Starling in “The Silence of the Lambs”. It was an excellent reflection, one requiring much more lighting than I was going to work on while I had to work on other things. But I found the old flashlight under the chin to be suitable for this pose." -- Jesse

Wild Card August Submission from Chrissy

"Yes, I found another way to catch a shot of myself!...In the powder room again....This time I am looking straight down on the top of the faucet.. I liked how my artwork gave the effect of me being squeezed between them..." -- Chrissy

Wild Card Submission from Virginia

I had a few extra photos to throw in at the end of this month.
This photo was the window of a cool antique storefront in Upper Lake, CA. I think the temperature that morning had already hit 98 degrees. I liked the combination of the red door, black bars, and the flower print curtains, which made me feel I was wearing a different blouse than the one I had on. I felt feminine instead of hot, tired, and dumpy!

Doorway to heaven...This was taken in our room at Blue Lakes. The door leads out to the lakefront, but I loved the haziness of the doorway in this photo -- it's almost white light -- hinting of another world or the one I will pass on to at some point. This pic fits the mystic in me.

And here I have golden light, and an almost Indian or Balinese feel -- like I'm traveling through those countries, sampling the wares, eating exotic food, offering alms at the local temples. It was really Kelseyville, CA.

Mirror Mirror Wild Card Submission from Billy

Billy -- I'm missing the text to go with these terrific photos -- care to fill us in?

Mirror Mirror Challenge August Submission from Sheri

"This month i am swimming with the fish. =)" -- Sheri

Wild Card August Submission from Chrissy

"Well I just happened to take this when I noticed my reflection!... I drive a 4 Runner and the model is a 'limited'..... I like the lettering because it looks like a puzzle and it appears I am that puzzle!. lol...I usually watermark my photos and thought this was funny it could be interpreted in a few ways.... 'Limited Chrissy'. Hmmm, am I limited? are any of us limited? Or just unique.... I cropped it so it has a pano look to it.... " -- Chrissy

Wild Card August Submission from Billy

"Here is my Wild card! It is in the window of an original pioneer cabin at Yosemite National Park. I see a happy person, having a great time on an early morning walk in a beautiful place. I see the imperfection in the glass as the imperfect person that I am. The glass keeps out the cold winter winds but allows us to enjoy life outside through it's transparency. It also keeps in the warmth inside of our hearts." -- Billy

Mirror Mirror Challenge August Submission from Billy

I would like to submit this as my August entry. This was taken on the Queen Mary in Long Beach. You can see my image in the picture of Fred Astaire (who sailed on the Queen). It is a shadow image, as are many of the ghosts of passengers past who live on the ship. At one time during WWII, 15,000 American soldiers were transported to England in preparation for D-Day. She was painted gray during war time. She crossed the Atlantic many times and was never attacked. Hitler offered a $250,000 reward to any German commander who could sink her.

Out and About August Submission from Virginia

Here's a photo I took of my friend Judy and I. We went out to eat with my husband after a kick-ass dance rehearsal at Stage Dor a few Fridays ago. A nice Italian restuarant in Sausalito. The lighting is horrible -- but we had gone off to the ladies room together, and there was a communal wash basin and mirror for both men and women in the hallway! I think this must be common in Europe and Mexico, cause you don't see it too often here in the States. While I was snapping a few shots, a man came out of the loo and came up to wash his hands. I said "I'll take a picture of you, too". I think I scared him! Judy and I laughed all the way back to the table!

Mirror Mirror Challenge August Submission from Chrissy

"I have always liked Michael Leu... The first photo is a lithograph of Michael Leu's work.. He loves females and cats.... Always wanted what I would look like in a Michael Leu lithograph!. Now I know.. LOL... The bottom photo is a frame I have and I seem to gravitate to taking pics of just part of me... Guess I want to be mysterious? " -- Chrissy

Mirror Mirror Challenge August Submission

This has been a rough month! And I really have not wanted to take o pictures of myself because of various reasons -- facial skin ailment, weight gain, old age fears...you name it. But the show must go on and I have to trust the process I started this blog with over 3 months ago: to use pictures of myself in a mirror or mirror-like surface to question my perceptions about myself. This is me in my favorite home furnishings shop in Novato -- Morris & Company. It's a tiny two-room shop in a historic, flat-iron Victorian building near the town's old railroad tracks. The store is crammed to the gills with beautiful plates, artwork, linens, crystal, etc. -- and Jan, the owner is an artist herself, so the shop is filled with color, interesting shapes and arrangements, and a ton of eclectic objects. I was in there shopping for a gift, and noticed a multi-paned mirror on the floor. Even though I felt fat and ungainly in the moment, I spontaneously plopped down on the floor (much to Jan's husband's surprise), pulled out my camera, and took some photos of myself. I liked the way the photos turned out, I liked that I seized the moment, and somehow I don't look as bad as I thought I would!

Wild Card July Submission from Jesse S.

100_7129_cr
Originally uploaded by bulgakov1990

"I posted this on my facebook page. It makes me think of one of Frank Zappa's Mother's of Invention, where it's actually a rear view of Zappa giving the Peace Sign, but my mind pictured it as one of his band members giving it. I honestly picture that image in my head when I think of the peace sign, and no other image of it as sincere. I think it was exploited too materialistically by the media." Jesse