Big Hair SML, 2008

by See-ming Lee
Self-portrait during surgery recovery.

#crazyisgood — In 2008, I had a medical emergency, and after the surgery, I spent 3 months resting at home. That’s a lot of time for someone who’s used to working 80-120 hrs/week.

When I was finally well enough to walk around the home, I found time doing self portraits — self portraits are very time consuming to do with a real camera (and not a phone) — to setup the shot, then to take it. Rinse and repeat.

This was taken on a day when I woke up in the morning. You’ll never see me like this unless you happened to be where I’m at when I woke up.

I decided to take a photo because it’s special — it’s basically my “private view” — a view that you would never see unless we’re very good friends — such good friends that somehow you happen to be where I’m at in the morning.

This was also a phase where I decided to not take self portraits with a smile.

A friend who’s an artist suggested to me that self portraits should always show the state of mind we’re in.

I was in pain since I was recovering from the surgery, but I took the time to setup the shot because I had a lot of time, and I was advised by my doctor to move around if possible.

I let the facial hair grow coz if I had to work, I had to be clean shaven — if you do what I do, it’s best to remain semi low profile when talking to clients, so that the work (the design) could shine, instead of distracting them with what I look like, or what I’m wearing.

The strobe is blown out — don’t judge!

But I like it anyway, for it reminded me of how I felt so many years ago — the emotional state of mine.

  • Big Hair SML / 20080106.10D.46967 / SML
  • SML Universe NYC
  • Canon EOS 10D
  • Canon EF 70-200 f/4L
  • Canon 580EX remote strobe on umbrella left
  • ISO 100, 131 mm, f/4, 1/60 sec

Copyright 2008 See-ming Lee / SML Photography / SML Universe Limited. All rights reserved.