January - Self Portrait [Aaron]

Hello all! 

My name is Aaron and this will be my second year here at the Visualization Project. I am very excited to share my photos with you guys this year as we progress throughout the months, and am happy to hear feedback from you all as you view my work! 

Before I share a little bit about myself, I'd like to apologize in advance for my tardiness in posting January's self-portrait project. Last month I had an unfortunate incident where my camera fell, causing the lens to somehow become stuck. So right now I have my recent Christmas gift, Canon's 50mm lens, firmly fixated to my camera, which definitely made self-portrait difficult. Thankfully I was still able to use it to take some pictures though. So again, sorry about that; I hope you enjoy the following posts I have this year!

This is me.

I have a strong appreciation for photography, and the endless styles in which a plain image can be transformed into a masterpiece of art. 

Capturing an image is like freezing time. It's taking a moment of the present and pausing it to reflect on for the rest of time. 

This is perhaps one of my favorite things about photography.

I also love finding the perfect lighting to capture a moment you can remember forever. 

Basketball is another creative outlet that I enjoy. Although I have never played competitive basketball before, I am now in my second year of playing on Monclova Christian Academy's varsity basketball team, and have decided that I will definitely be staying for the rest of my high school career.  

Music is also one of my passions. For over seven years I have played the piano, and enjoy playing in my youth group service every Wednesday, as well as playing at local and state-wide competitions. 

 Lastly, I'd like to give all the glory of everything I am capable of doing to God. Although I love many things this world has to offer, nothing comes close to how much I love the Bible and my Savior, Jesus Christ. Without Him I would be nothing, and I am proud to be able to do everything I can for Him and His glory. 

January - Self-Portrait [Nick]

Hello! Haven't we met before? I'm Nick. Remember? Yes, I am now back on track with my photographs, in case you were wondering. Let me share a little about my odd and sometimes rather clueless self for this month's project.

So here's me. Basically.

I like to take pictures. It's kinda cool, I guess (obviously I am sarcastic. It is very cool. Try it.).

I also like to draw. Sketch. Shade. Smudge. Erase. Repeat. 

Also, still on the topic of drawing, I sometimes doodle on myself. My left hand is the perfect canvas! I guess you could say that these doodles on my hand represent my strange and confused mind. (Don't worry. It all washed off the next day. Most of it. And no, I in fact did not get ink poisoning.)

Everyone stop. Yes, I sometimes take selfies with my mom. (This is back when I had shorter hair, ladies and gentlemen.) The only problem is I am the only one who really knows when we're taking a selfie. Hence this candid shot. Enjoy.

When I was a kid, Calvin and Hobbes was my favorite thing to read. I would spend hours reading (but rarely ever understanding) the jokes and punch lines of the famous strip. I still do love Calvin and Hobbes, and it will remain my favorite until the day I die. 

Another thing about me is that I love art. 

Shapes. Design. Shading. Color. Art is amazing. Art is God's creation. Color is God's creation. God is so incredibly amazing.

I took quite some time to finish these. It turned out nicer than I thought it would, though. At least I hope. 

January - Self-portrait [Madeleine]

Hello!
I’m new to this project, so allow me to tell you a little about myself.
I am Madeleine Jade Drees, and I attend Monclova Christian Academy as a senior.
I spend a lot of time doing homework and writing papers.  I work at a small café and enjoy talking with the elderly “regulars” who frequent the restaurant. In my spare time I like to run, read books (usually the same several over and over), and draw pencil portraits. My two-year-old twin sisters are a highlight of my life. I run long distance track and field, and I tend to be competitive. Green tea and water are my beverages of choice—so much so that I drink about a hundred ounces of each a day. I like to research the nutritional values of foods, and I want to study dietetics in college next year. Finally, and most importantly, I am a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, and in all that I do I want Him to be glorified.

I am just stepping into the world of photography, so bear with me as I learn how to use this handy camera of mine!

January - Self-portrait [Jeannette]

Hello.

My name is Jeannette. Jeannette Marie Beerbower, specifically.

This is a good description of me. Jeannette means "God is gracious," Marie means "bitter" (which is appropriate, but how is a story for another time-basically a sweet aroma of sacrifice, describing my desire to live for Christ), and I am a Beerbower, and love being one.

I am a reader (like I said, I'm a Beerbower) and a bibliofile (if you don't know that word, look it up-I'm a logophile too),

and I am a writer.

I am kind of old-fashioned in thought and less than modern in dress. (I love that line.)

My hair is curly,

and I have freckles marching over the bridge of my cute nose, as my older sister would say. I would debate that. (That it is cute, not that I have freckles. I know I do, and I do not mind my freckles.)

I always look over the top of my glasses. Maybe that's why I look like a teacher or an old maid. Plus rocking in an old chair with a soft blanket around me sounds appealing, though I'd rather be rocking a baby or reading than knitting. I prefer crocheting anyway.

I am a sister and I have a lot of siblings. I love it. I considered adding a picture of some of my siblings and my two siblings-to-be because I love it so much, but I already have so many pictures Rebekah will probably yell at me...

I enjoy doing the dishes because I can think and I can sing, two things I do constantly.

I would have posted a picture of me singing, but I don't like pictures of myself. Generally. Yes, even though I agreed to do a self-portrait post, and this isn't the first time I've taken self-portraits. Sometimes, you're your most available and cooperative subject.

 And, in case you wondered, I like photography.

Nice to meet you.