Self-Portrait Photography: The Ultimate in Personal Expression

The book Self-Portrait Photography: The Ultimate in Personal Expression is a work by Natalie Dybisz, known by her artistic name Miss Aniela, published in 2011 by Ilex Press. Dybisz, a British fine art and fashion photographer, began her career in 2006 by creating self portraits that gained significant online, particularly on the Flickr website. She is one of the new generation of photographers who rose to fame through social media, and her work has been featured in prestigious publications such as American Photo and Vogue Italia. This book, recognised as one of the first of its kind, explores the role of the self portrait as a form of personal expression in art, demonstrating how creative photographers can use the subject that is always available — themselves — to produce artistic works.
The structure of the book is designed to cover both conceptual and technical aspects. It opens with an introduction to the history and cultural context of the self portrait, then moves on to practical topics such as equipment, shooting techniques, and image processing. One of the most engaging sections of the book is the step by step analysis of Dybisz´s own works, where she explains how she achieves the special effects and unique techniques seen in her images. A self taught photographer, she combines practical on set staging techniques with digital post production in Photoshop to create the surreal and Baroque atmosphere of her works. The book is further enriched by featuring examples from eight other artists, along with introductions to their conceptual backgrounds and creative processes. This book serves as an inspiring resource and guide for photographers at all levels, offering a fresh perspective on the closest subject of all — themselves.