I’m not a big fan of photos of myself. I prefer being behind the camera.

It’s funny now that I think about it because I worked in radio for years and back in those days I always said I preferred being behind a microphone and the music. “A face made for radio” was the quip I used.

Alas, someone recently asked me for a photo of myself to run with a bio of me. (It’s going to end up on the website of a non-profit I do some pro bono work for every few months.)

Thinking back, I don’t think I’d ever taken a proper portrait of myself. Lots of quick arms length stuff alone or with C and the kids and random tests from photo classes.

Then there’s this cool shot from many years ago which I still use for my business cards.

© Armando Bellmas

Not exactly what they were looking for, though.

So after many days on the road, lots of work behind me, and a looming deadline to submit the photo, I set up the tripod in our dining room and set out to make a quick and simple self-styled self-portrait.

I was dead set against the typical headshot — you know the kind: shoulders up, head slightly to the side, softbox out in front and a hairlight up top, muslin background — and warned the folks asking for the shot that I wouldn’t be delivering such standard fare.

I framed the shot, opened wide, focused, dragged the shutter, and let the sun shine in behind me.

© Armando Bellmas

Presto! A little rough but right on for me.

I haven’t heard from the folks I sent it to. Maybe they liked it, maybe they didn’t. It doesn’t really matter to me, though. I really like it and, who knows, it may end up on a business card someday.