Self-Portrait

I worked on this project for a while now and am finally finished with it.  I really enjoyed the process of making it.  I think it turn out ok.  What I really like is that it is complex only in relation to me.  What I mean is that every single frame is followed by a related image that is properly cropped.  What I really like is that no one will understand the project completely except me.  When I look at it I wonder if it is a portrait of tradition, with me representing an image of the people before me but the ability to be my own person.  It leans towards determining the innocent and destructiveness that we all seem to go through.  I couldn't decide if I am guilty or innocent but decided to end on a shot of my brother and cousin to represent innocence.  I fade out to show that I am getting there and there is still time to correct problems I've caused and let go some of the weight I carry on my shoulders.  A few people asked me what it is about and I gave a few answers.  Some were pretty intricate and others I was tired and gave simple blunt answers and I don't think that either are wrong.  I believe that everyone's project will be similar in this way.  None of us are simple people.  I thought with going with the family side I wouldn't reveal much about myself, but I guess we will see because I always see myself in the people I displayed.  If I could go back I would do the project completely different.  I don't know how mine will compare with others but if it is similar in design to any others I will be pretty upset.  If I got the chance I would go back and I would shoot a small narrative about my life as a child.  I would have the cameraman keep rolling while I was thinking in between scenes.  I would cut up all the out-takes and mess ups.  All the space in between the things I create and I would make that my self-portrait.  I think those were the times I was most honest.  Overall, I had a lot of fun and I think it is the best job I have done with editing.

TS