1. Self-Portrait

As most photography challenges start, this one will, too, start with a Self Portrait.

You might expect something glamorous or subtle and rather artistic, but hey, I decided to ‘surprise’ you in the most expected way… with a Selfie. (duh...)

And while some of you may start whining about the similarity between this post and any other recent Instagram or Facebook entries, to others it will be no new information to hear that the so disliked (or addictive?) selfie was recognized as an official English word by the Oxford OnlineDictionaries (in August 2013). And even though CNN claimed selfies “the most embarrassing phenomenon of the digital age,” Oxford gave it the title “Word of the year” for 2013. Well, what can I say when the experts have said their word. Selfie. 

Image: someecards.com

 “A photograph that one has taken of oneself, typically with a smartphone or webcam and uploaded to a social media website". Ending either in ‘ie’ or ‘y’. Researchers found out that the frequency of the use of the word has increased 17,000% in the last year (as in 17 thousand!!!) And even though the word has been in use since 2002 when a man posted a blurred photo of his injuries, the selfie gained popularity in early 2012 thanks to well-known social media websites, most often appearing with a hashtag.

Somehow, I was not surprised. We all see our classmates taking selfies during “amusing” lectures. Even some professors check out their makeup with their front camera before entering a classroom (Hey, I am not saying names, ok?!) But when have we seen the United States’ president or the Vatican Pope taking a selfie before?! And don’t get me started on popcelebrities and their trendy self-portraits. 

Image Source: panoramata.bg

 Nothing new, not that shocking either, I know. But here is something some of you may not have heard of: a #Selfiebition. The event took place on November 1, 2013 in Sofia, Bulgaria as a part of the Absolut:Transform Today campaign. The Selfiebition was initiated by Nikolay Vaiarov, a real estate broker, as part of a party-tour across three of the most popular bars in Sofia, Bulgaria. The photos in the selfiebition are done by well-known Bulgarian artists (some of them during their live performances). You see the full Selfiebition on the Abosult Vodka Bulgaria Facebook page. I must say I sincerely admire the organization of this Selfie-themed campaign. Amusing, innovative and even shocking to some, but definitely innovative. 

And while I was kinda whining about selfies in the beginning of this post, I looked through the photos on my phone to choose the best one for this post, and here is the result. My self-portrait - I am the one who my friends let me be.

 
So I haven't realized it so far but... Such a Selfie addict I am! Are you? When do you take selfies? Which are you favorite moments captured in a selfie?