May 27, 2004

homage to the bathroom portrait studio

andrea_self_bathroom2.jpg
bathroom portrait, Canon 300D

I have taken countless portraits in the bathroom. Not only of myself, but of my friends as well. I've always seen it as a tiny portrait studio, just big enough for two people, intimate, quiet, and often with exquisite lighting. (the fluoresent lighting above does not necessarily qualify)

Several years ago, I was famous for a game we would play whenever we hosted a party. It was called "2 minutes in the bathroom with Andrea" (so illicit sounding!) and you didn't know what actually went on in the bathroom until your turn.

My roommates and I always chose a colorful prop (a white cowboy hat, a long red cheerleader wig, etc.) and each guest would take their turn being photographed in it. I used an I-zone polaroid at that time, so by the end of the party all of the photos were placed on the kitchen island to be viewed. It was a blast.

Recent photos in the bathroom: Christina, Sasha.

And of course, you can always send your mirror portraits to the Mirror Project

Posted on May 27, 2004 06:09 PM
Comments

oh dear, I admit to be a cabinet opener, in peoples houses. hopefully no one i know is reading this and has a suprise for me inside.

I have cats.. are they nearsighted? I hold mine up to the mirror and say ooo what a pretty/handsome kitty and they all just look around at everything but the cat in the mirror or they gaze off. Do they see themselves? I was wondering if anyones cat actually looks at the cat in the mirror?

Posted by: Lori at May 29, 2004 07:38 AM

i read about an exhibit here in chicago of bathroom cabinets. this woman has been taking sneaking pictures of people's cabinets! so last night i took of of my own and then a picture of my dog looking at me like i was crazy and they were two of the best i've taken!

Posted by: lena at May 28, 2004 09:52 AM

Do you have any cats?

Posted by: James T. at May 28, 2004 08:02 AM

I was actually thinking of photographing my favourite bathrooms.. maybe not the mirror but the walls or something about them.

this one has really cool wallpaper and a bowl of potpourri..

but my camera is kinda hard to hide and I thought people would think i'm a bit wacko bringing one in the bathroom... I need a huge purse.

Posted by: Lori at May 28, 2004 07:15 AM

I am so ripping off this idea for my next party!! (this holiday weekend) What a creative & fun thing to do. I always have a polaroid camera handy at parties, and this idea of a bathroom as photography studio is just the best!! Great post Andrea! You rock!! :)

Posted by: Julia at May 27, 2004 08:55 PM

what an amazing idea!!!! youre awesome andrea!!

xoxoxo
eMiLy

Posted by: Emily at May 27, 2004 08:48 PM

That is such an inspired idea! I love it. I really dig your glasses too.

Posted by: The Other Brian at May 27, 2004 06:03 PM

How funny! I just did this very thing this morning. I woke up and for the first day in my entire life, I had curly hair. I had to photograph it to prove it to my friends & family -- I knew they'd never believe me! I think my golden retriever must have used hot rollers on me in the middle of the night. Or perhaps I sleepwalk, wielding a hot curling iron to protect me from intruders, and last night was the first time I had no visitors, so I got bored and turned the weapon upon myself. Such a strange day for me.

PS -- Love your glasses!

Posted by: Steph at May 27, 2004 05:58 PM

You are too cool for school, miss!

Posted by: penelope at May 27, 2004 02:19 PM

a,

you rock... love this entry. chtistina's picture is fantastic. what a great laugh. that dreaa sasha is wearing is quite pretty. again, i am having hand envy... you have great hands. is that your wedding ring? it looks beautiful. i think your game sounds like a blast... i'll have to steal it for my next party.

Posted by: jenn at May 27, 2004 01:41 PM

Curious what camera shop you bought the Rebel at?

Posted by: stef at May 27, 2004 01:37 PM

Bathroom pictures rock.

You rock.

I love bathrooms, am a connoisseur of toilets, and call the handicapped stall "The Suite".

I am heading into Digital Rebel territory.

You have sold me, and take it from a guy who used to work in a local camera shop...it is better to buy from those who you know and trust. Wise advice.

Keep up the great shots...you have an eye for delight.

Love,

D.

Posted by: Donavan Freberg at May 27, 2004 12:52 PM

that is one of the reasons why I chose it over the Canon 10D or any other. It's extremely light! and I carry it in my backpack every day.

the body is made of plastic, which means you don't want to drop it,
but the light weight of it was a huge selling point for me. Just handle
it with mindfullness and all will be well. The camera guy even gave me the tip of NEVER placing it on a counter or table with the strap hanging down. this is a recipe for disaster.

its a great camera...

I also recommend purchasing it from a local camera store. It will be the same price as on Amazon and you will be putting money back into your community. Not to mention, I received SO MUCH great advice from the camera store people I bought it from. They programmed the camera for me out of the box and even attached the strap for me.

xo
andrea

Posted by: andrea at May 27, 2004 12:00 PM

random question: is the canon rebel hard to carry around with you all the time? is it heavy? i keep swooning over how wonderful they are and how much i want one, but i like to carry my camera with me all the time and i am afraid it would be too heavy.

Posted by: saralovering at May 27, 2004 11:55 AM

I love this idea! You are so damn creative girl!

How fun!!!

Posted by: stef at May 27, 2004 10:16 AM

ooh. i really like this post (pix with prop, pix displayed later, the use of bathroom etc)

Posted by: azura at May 27, 2004 09:52 AM