We are reaching the halfway point of our 30 Day Self-Portrait Challenge! In case you missed the original post the basic idea is that we are going to take a self portrait everyday for 30 days in the hopes that we will step outside our normal photo routines and learn a few things along the way. Self portraits are a great way to practice because you always have your (willing) photo subject available. 🙂 How are you doing with the challenge? We've been following many of you online (with the #ABeautifulMess hashtag on Instagram) and we love seeing all your pretty photos!
The challenge is open to everyone and you are welcome to still join in! For those of you who have been participating we will soon be giving away two signed copies of A Beautiful Mess Photo Idea Book to two randomly choosen winners once the challenge is over. So don't forget to use #ABeautifulMess and you are welcome to leave us your username in the comments below. xo. Emma and Elsie
130 Comments
Both pairs of glasses sported by Elsie in this post are so cool I’m dying.
Hi! I am sooo glad I did this challenge! It is inspiring! I have been doing it since the begining but phone troubles have put me back a few days but no worries thanks to my SLR. You can follow me @ emilybrianna12.
Anyways… your photos have been great so far!
shysnarrative – instagram
I have been reading your blog now for about half a year and I have really enjoyed it! It has truly lit up many grey days 🙂 Thank you so much for inspiring me to be more creative! @viehenninen
always love your photos- they are so inspiring! I have the #ABeautifulMess App and can’t wait to try this challenge out!
You can follow me @focusedlinz
🙂
I don’t know how I missed this challenge… I think you two are amazing! MissTiffManaged on Instagram.
Lovely photos!
http://erstwhilefelicity.blogspot.co.uk/
I’m really enjoying it! I don’t usually like the pictures I take of myself but now, having to take 30 of them is making me think outside the box! Great challenge!
@marjobourge on instagram
Elsie, this first picture is soo pretty! This blurred piece of fabric makes a misty atmosphere.
Julia, http://thesheerstories.blogspot.com/
Love the b&w vibe!
Yellow Blog Design
http://yellowblog.storenvy.com | http://yellowblogdesign.blogspot.com
Cheap Fashion is Chic
http://cheapfashionischic.blogspot.com
I’m searching for those sunglasses, Elsie! Where to find?
🙂
Jennie
What a great idea! I think I’m a bit late to join in on this but I luv the pics! 🙂
Rowdy Fairy
This challenge has been so much fun! I have been participating via instagram: @islaeverywhere
I’ve been participating since the beginning & love it!
@lifeandsnapshots is my username & blog name too!
I may have to try this, self portraits are my biggest challenge!
Looking lovely as always ladies!
Jennie- my glasses are from Tumbleweeds 🙂 http://tumbleweedshandcraft.bigcartel.com/
Have a good day!!
I am doing it and I have been keeping up each day I am really proud of myself because I often fall short on these types of challenges. My user name is @aublar
Thanks!
Aubree
Lookfeelbebest.blogspot.com
I had to start a few days after you guys but I’m still going strong! My username is @amaelibir — feel free to follow along!
I totally missed the first post on this! I think I might start it up tomorrow half way through.
http://www.deancorno.blogspot.com
I will begin posting tomorrow (Aug1st)Thanks so much for the inspiration!
I’m having so much fun doing it-I just hope nobody is sick of my face yet! 🙂 That towel pic of Emma is just too awesome.
It’s been a ton of fun; and even on days when I’ve been at work, come home, and don’t want to do anything, I still get excited to contribute to this challenge. So thanks for being such great motivators 🙂
Instagram–@suprgrrljes
Quinn and I
http://andquinn.blogspot.com
Hi ladies! I’m using your challenge as my first blog entry/series.
sewmuchtosay is my username. Love the challenge!
You ladies are so inspiring! I’ve been participating in this challenge since you started it, but have been taking it a bit slower… My username is @moddyapple 🙂
-Charlotte
boyerfamilysingers.blogspot.com
I’m doing pretty good! 9 so far! It is hard – LOL – but I am determined to finish! I’m over at @SongsKateSang on Instagram.
I’ve been blowing up my Instagram feed with these selfies! Loving this challenge! I’d love for you to check them out: @beccasmith_
Oh no! I just realized I forgot to start this.. but I’m going to start up this weekend 🙂 I love photo challenges.
M.
It’s been a good challenge so far, & so fun to see everyone else’s pictures too. xx
http://instagram.com/christychilders
Danielle6117 – instagram! I’ve been adoring this challenge!
I love the regular glasses! Where are they from?
Still building up the courage to do this but I will one day! 🙂
Oh wow! I love this idea so much! And the photos are great (:
I’ve had so much fun with the challenge. I look forward to finding a fun new way to do self portraits every day. It is fun to challenge yourself to redefine what a self portrait is. I’ve found myself coming up with different ways to do them. I’m @clarekolat
love the bed portrait of emma!
kw, ladies in navy
I’ve been posting and am enjoying this challenge! My username on Instagram is chickypix.
Although I feel like I’m running out of ideas, I’m so glad I’ve taken this creative and mental challenge! I’ve especially been enjoying checking out other people’s photos (and have found new people to follow in the process!) and reading that I’m not the only one who is feeling self-conscious while taking self-portraits. Another surprise is how many friends have been telling me that they’ve really been enjoying my portraits and are learning more about me through them. That’s one thing I really wanted to accomplish through this challenge (to communicate something about myself through the pictures), so it’s been so encouraging to hear that feedback from people I love and respect. Thank you for initiating this! @taffystay
I’m in my 11th day. It felt kind of strange at the beginning (I’m not used to take pics of myself) but it’s being fun and I really like some of the pics that came out. It is really a challenge to keep it creative and that’s why I think it’s a great exercise. I’m @monacomes ( http://instagram.com/monacomes ) in instagram. Thanks ladies, for all the inspiration… I’m so glad I found you in the web 🙂
Love your self portraits! Gorgeous!
Enjoying the challenge immensely! I blogged about it at http://pienkel.blogspot.com and share the pics on Instagram, username Pienkel.
Thanx for the inspiration!
I am still going strong on Flickr, my nom de plume is onthecountof23 and set is called selfies. Interesting challenge this turns out to be.
I have taken the challenge! It started off feeling super awkward and self indulgent. The second week (as you said would happen) I started feeling a lot more comfortable. It’s been really fun and, best of all, I feel like I am learning a lot!! Thank you!!!!
Jessie
mymessielife.com
Hi ladies,
i love to do the challenge with you.
every morning i’m looking for the other
#abeautifulmess selfies.
you can follow me on @beabenke.
i’m looking forward to get more ideas from
your book.
have fun
beate from germany 🙂
I’m actually loving this challenge because it is a real one for me! Self portrait involving ma face for example, are always a little hard for me (I’m very cruel with myself every now and then!) but it’s a fun kind of “therapy” and I have fun shots on mind for the days to come!
Love you girls, have a great day!
Melodie
http://sevenlivesandmore.blogspot.fr/
Hello Elsie & Emma,
I am at half way point of this challenge and boy, seriously am I challenged! running out of ideas but it does make me more creative. LOL. Loving this challenge.
Instagram: sharoncornelius
I’ve had a great time with my first 14 photos.
I post them on IG @katharinakahlcke.
I’ve been loving this challenge so far! It’s a great way to get to know my slr. I shared my pictures on my blog, http://jones-easterns.blogspot.com. Both you and Emma’s pictures are so beautiful and inspiring!
I’ve loved following your Instagrams these past 2 weeks ladies. I also got the bonus PDF with the pre order of your book so looking forward to reading through that later 🙂
Rosie x | Every Word Handwritten
You two always have the best photos. I’m sure your book will be a blast!
http://annescribblesanddoodles.blogspot.com/
hey hey hey follow me at @faraskye
I just found your Blog today. Since it is the start of a new month I might as well join in..
I am LOVING this challenge!
I am posting on our blog here
http://liveitloveitmakeit.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/more-30-days-of-self-portraits-730-1330.html
here
http://liveitloveitmakeit.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/30-day-self-portrait-challenge.html
and on Instagram @Sammytvr
so excited about your book!!
Sammy xxx
Love his challenge! @curlyhtj
Love the challenge. I’m @limez 😀
I really enjoy the challenge!!xxx
User emilieburfeind
I started doing this, but now it looks like my phone might be broken, so i’m a little behind.eek!
@sweetloveginger
Hey 🙂 I did a 30 day self portrait photo project a couple of years ago and it was one of the best photography projects I did. I was just too shy and unconfident to be in front of a camera so really had to make myself take the photos and post them online. After a few days I started really enjoying myself and it gave me so much more confidence in my photography! I’d recommend for anyone to have a go at this! Helen 🙂
Great challenge and I love all of your pics… I’ve been wanting to do a new photo challenge on my blog – maybe I’ll attempt this one 🙂
I have been doing this challenge on my blog! The next few photos are coming today or tomorrow! 🙂
Love,
Caroun
http://stateofgracecarounmohana.blogspot.de
I missed the start of the challenge, but I think I’m in! I’ve always shied away from selfies, so maybe this is just the kick I need to get me going and gain a new perspective. Half-way through, but I may just keep up the 30 days on my own. #amuseabroad
I’m doing it slowly since I am busy but I have been participating!
@margarie on instagram
You know… I’ve really been meaning to do this. I keep telling myself I will, but two days in I’m busy as a bee and completely forget. I would really like to give it a go!
<3 dani
http://www.shopdisowned.com
http://blog.shopdisowned.com
I’m going to do that when I move to my new house! 😀
Can you give us any tips on how to do self portraits with a dslr? I take so many pictures of my family but I’m never in them to capture sweet moments with all othem 🙁
Eee! They just played Jeremy on my radio station that I listen to! I live in KC and listen to 96.5 religiously, and they’re doing a bit this morning where they play music off one of the DJ’s iPods (on shuffle) and people have to call in and guess which artist they will play. Anyways, they were playing off one of their iPods this morning and the first song that came on was Jeremy Larson! The owner of the iPod explained that he lives in Springfield, talked a bit about him, and they played maybe a third of the song before commenting on how great his voice is and then moving on to the next song. I’ve read this blog for a year or so now, but hadn’t ever heard any of Jeremy’s music. Leave it to a random bit on the radio and a DJ with the most random collection of music ever!
I need to stop slacking on this challenge! It’s a fun one!
username: lavidaholoka
Such a great idea, might have to give it a try sometime when I can think of more creative photographs!
I’ve only just heard of this challenge (mentioned by Elise Joy on her blog today). Intrigued! I am marsailleknight.
I’ve been following along every day as well since you started the challenge 🙂 What fun!
I’d like to join! ladylauren24 on instagram. Yay! The top left photo of yours, Elsie, is my favorite photo I’ve ever seen of you.
Working hard so far:)
http://nateandabbyclark.blogspot.com/2013/07/1430.html
I’m loving this!
You can find me at the_awilliams on Instagram.
I’ve been loving this challenge and have posted my pictures on my blog. Here is the first entry: http://www.findingjoyinallthings.com/2/post/2013/07/30-days-of-self-portraits.html. I didn’t expect it to be so hard, but I’m learning to enjoy taking pictures of myself. Thanks!
I am a disaster with the camera, even much for portraits ….
that first self portrait is incredible! you are so talented:)))
I have been participating! @gracamom 🙂
I never used to post selfies, just felt weird for me. So this challenge has really been a challenge, but you’re right, I’ve learned a lot and it’s stretched me creatively.
It really helps me with taking pictures of other people too (not just on the iphone)
Thanks for the fun! I’m @lanlettie 🙂
Elsie,
I love love love your glasses not the sunglasses (I love these too) but your real ones. I didn’t see that you posted where you got those I’m super sorry if I missed that post. Please don’t break my heart and tell me they are vintage and I’ll never find another pair.
Thanks!
Maria
I am totally going to do this!! But Hey!!! When will you guys launch the beautiful mess app for Android!!! We neeeeeeeeed it!!!!!
xoxo~Heather
southernnorth.com
I’m only on day 10, but already I’ve gotten so much practice and stepped out of my comfort zone. Thanks for the inspiration ladies!
My set so far: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.638698949473846.1073741831.507642022579540&type=3
i have been keeping up on your challenge and i love it!! also…can’t wait for your book to arrive! IG username: saranoel
I’m having fun with this challenge =] my username is @taybeelou
I’ve been posting my photos on my flickr account:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14345438@N04/sets/72157634703962885/
i’ve tagged a few on instagram, but i like most of them on flickr!
Thanks for coming up with such an awesome challenge, it has been just that – challenging!
Hi! Thank you for this challenge. I’d like to join it, so here’s my nickname on Istagram
sarah_smilla
Best wishes,
Sarah from http://pleasuresoflifeblog.blogspot.de/
instagram: ang3lla
Lost a few days of photos, but back on track now! 🙂 You can see mine on Instagram as @chaniepd or by using the hashtag #divaselfies (yep, I’m just that cool ;))
I am loving this project. So fun and challenging… posting on my blog and twitter @K_OpenSpaces
This really has been a challenge, but we’re halfway through! @xojanneal
I missed it too but it’s a great idea and I will start with it today!
My instagram username is hebbsh, feel free to follow!
my username is @jennastocks
🙂 <3
I began posting my “Selfies” 7/22 everyday 🙂 and I’m loving it. Ive been able to try so many different angles and get creative. my username in instagram is @andreakree8s feel free to follow 🙂 🙂
Elsie your eyeglasses in the first picture are what I have been looking for for ages..do you mind telling me the make or where I would be able to find them? I’ve tried to google them but with no success 🙁
Btw your portraits are so fresh and natural.amazing!
I’m up to number 16 and have been posting mine on instagram (Hols86) and on my blog –http://hollygoeslightly.co.uk/photography-2/30-day-self-portrait-challenge-abeautifulmess
X
Awesome photos so far on IG!
Lulu xx
http://luluslittlewonderland.blogspot.com
I haven’t been doing so well(skipping days:[) but I’ll keep at it!
This has been a fun challenge for me! 🙂 Thank you! And I love seeing other people’s creative way of capturing their personalities! @MyDearDarling
Loving all your photos and following along with others through the hash tag! I’ve always taken photos but my struggle is actually posting them– for some reason that is the hardest part for me. So far I’ve been having fun though! check up on mine @justmeelsie 🙂
I love instagram and i Love the challenge, its Fun. I’m on holidays, but i’ll try to miss no day. You can follow me @frauhelge
I’ve not quite managed to take 30, actually I’ve only taken one so far…awaiting inspiration to strike. This is my first Self: http://dizznfizzntizz.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/self.html
really enjoying this challenge!
@Zuleika Fray
I am going to try this, once I get my new phone 🙂
http://almondeyedenid.blogspot.com/
This challenge has been so great….. I’m trying different things and loving the results ♥
Instagram: @carrieelias
Loving the challenge so far! You can follow along here http://simpliciadiy.blogspot.ca/search/label/self-portrait%20challenge
🙂
I love this challenge! I thought I’d have a hard time sticking to it, but so far so good 😉
My instagram name is @athungrymonster
Where are both of those pairs of shoes from? I love them so much and want them for myself!
I never thought a self portrait challenge would be so fun! I want to thank you, this challenge has made me discover more about myself, given me a boost in confidence I lost, a chance to connect with new people, and find new and creative ways to do photography. My sweet husband has noticed this spark the challenge has given me and asks everyday have you done your picture yet? and encourages me to keep doing it. You ladies are ever so lovely! Thanks again for inspiring me. I’m on Instagram @shannieclaire
sounds great xD
I missed it :/
Because of your challenge, 9 friends and myself from around the US have started a 30 day challenge tumblr and each month is a different challenge.
I’m a new reader of your blog and absolutely love it :).
I’m in. Instagram @sanjosefoodblog
Hi girls! Im so happy that I tried myself out in your 30 day challenge! You can find me on instagram @alwaysfg.
http://www.alwaysfashiongirl.com
I’m a late-starter but I’m going t brave this and give it a go – I prefer to be behind the camera instead of in front of it but this will get my out of my cost comfort zone!!!
Hey! I’m Jess and in college I completed a 365 day portrait series! Over that year I created an alias named Annette that help me feel more comfortable taking these images of myself. I would like to thank you two for inspiring me to dabble back into self ports with this 30 challenge. Hope you visit my blog and read more about me and “Annette in August”
It has been fun and sometimes challenging! It’s still a bit weird for me to take photos of myself, but I’m trying some new things and exploring my idea of my self image. @jinxers on instagram
I’ve been so enjoying this challenge!! @halleytiefert
Love the challenge:) my user name is msveveve (http://instagram.com/msveveve#)
I’m at Day 17 already! It’s truly a challenge for me but I’m glad I took it up. Thanks for being such inspirations 🙂
@theestherchew
I am doing the 30 day challenge.. 🙂 see mine at the wonderful world of lissa.blogspot.co.uk
X
I’m doing the challenge on Instagram my name is @littlemissthrifty 🙂
I love the one with the flower.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CurvyTiffy?ref=seller_info_count
I’ve been keeping up with it everyday! My Instagram is @cgevans2 it would be so fun to win a signed copy! I’ve already pre ordered the book, but a signed one would mean so much more and, lets be serious, a signed copy would just be plain awesome.
I have only missed a couple of days, I believe. I don’t think I’ve been doing much in the way of trying new things, but maybe just getting more comfortable with the idea of self-portraits, or being in photos. It’s definitely making me step out of my comfort zone!
Christen
@feathersandash
http://christenlouise.blogspot.com
I am doing it and trying to use your app to add quotes and be creative. It’s a lot of fun, but I have to admit I have had a few too busy days or too boring days where I haven’t managed to post. But I have decided to let myself off the hook of having to post every day (the intention is there, but the body is not always willing and able), and last night counted that I have posted 18 days, so will finish up the 30 even though some days have been skipped. I already have some favourites which are quite different than what I have done before. I would so love it if you stopped by and checked them out. alison573 on instagram…
I am looking forward to reading your book, too.
Alison Miyake
@eliszabethsnickers
I’m loving this challenge 🙂
I am completely obsessed with the the glasses in the first picture!!! Please tell where they are from!!
He’s my complete 30-day challenge: http://www.lavieculturelle.com/2013/08/30-day-self-portrait-challenge-roundup.html
I’ve been posting 🙂 I’m @constantly_alice
Just posted my last photos since the challenge is almost over. I have your book reserved at my local library and they will notify me when it comes in – can’t wait!!!
http://pinterest.com/juneanderso
Halfway through the 30-Day Self-Portrait Challenge – A Beautiful Mess
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melwtrdvp http://www.gg7ffztnavvt855c3u607a6699715mo5s.org/
Just recapped my 30(ish) days of taking SELFIES on my blog:
http://www.ladyflashback.com/2013/08/selfie-challenge.html
Super fun challenge! Thanks yall!