Three Self-Portraits Before Summer 2018
Three self-portraits taken in the same room during the summer of 2018 — May 15th, June 20th and June 23rd. They captured a strange transitional period between uncertainty, isolation and trying to slowly build something meaningful.
In March, I was still drawn to taking photographs with an element of danger or motion. By summer, something was changing.
I was preparing to permanently leave Tallinn and the apartment that had also served as my studio was gradually losing that role. Before leaving, I used the familiar space one last time for a series of quiet, introspective self-portraits.
“Outer Space” (15.05.2018)
Estonian title: avakosmos. I’ve always liked old buildings with ten-foot ceilings. An empty wall is never actually empty: there are shadows, textures and imperfections. Look at something long enough and you eventually start seeing something of yourself in it.
In the late afternoon and evening, passing trams would reflect light through the window frames and cast interesting shadows on the wall. Using them in photographs meant waiting for just the right moment.
“Inner Space” (20.06.2018)
Estonian title: sisekosmos. Despite having newer full-frame cameras available, I've enjoyed using the 60D for personal projects. Besides the flip-out screen, I like its snappy shutter sound and the natural-looking noise and grain that appear as soon as you raise the ISO.
“The Void” (23.06.2018)
Estonian title: tühik. Four walls at different distances, lined up to flatten the depth of the room. And my surreal shadow, as if I’m about to be lifted out of this space. Ten days later, I actually left this apartment.
