For artists, self-portraits are an excellent way to practice their craft. Self-portraits also allow people to embody different archetypes to understand what it would be like if they were to become that archetype. With this in mind, I created a 7-day self-portrait challenge to practice my art form and become an archetype.

When we take a portrait, we don't just take a photo — we tell a unique story, capturing personality and emotion in meaningful ways that give color to the life in front of the lens. It is an artform, an exercise in human connection, and a tangible recreation of the human experience, all in one. But behind it all is a process that is so much more than point and snap.

Here, in collaboration with Artifact Uprising, our favorite print shop, we take a closer look at that process — starting with 12 portrait photography tips and techniques that every photographer can employ in their own shoots.

When we first arrived at the train station in Antwerp, Belgium, I was blown away by the beauty of it. Scenes from Harry Potter were filmed there and I can certainly see why.

I have been fortunate enough to travel to Amsterdam twice in my life. Both times conjure up very blurry memories. However, all of them pleasant. Take a visual journey through the Dutch city of Amsterdam in this virtual travel adventure.

Before I traveled there, I didn’t know the first thing about Albania. It turned out to be a surprising country filled with incredibly generous people, silhouettes of the Alps, pristine beaches, and historic Byzantine villages. This is a visual diary of our brief time spent in the Albanian Alps.

The 12 Archetypes of personality, chosen by Carl Jung, are the foundations for characters in movies, literature, art, and the life where we live and breathe. I am exploring all 12 of the archetypes through self-portraits and embodying each as I understand them within myself. Along with the portraits, I have included a playlist that represents each personality to me, I hope you enjoy this playful exploration!

The 12 Archetypes of personality, chosen by Carl Jung, are the foundations for characters in movies, literature, art, and the life where we live and breathe. I am exploring all 12 of the archetypes through self-portraits and embodying each as I understand them within myself. Along with the portraits, I have included a playlist that represents each personality to me, I hope you enjoy this playful exploration!

The 12 Archetypes of personality, chosen by Carl Jung, are the foundations for characters in movies, literature, art, and the life where we live and breathe. I am exploring all 12 of the archetypes through self-portraits and embodying each as I understand them within myself. Along with the portraits, I have included a playlist that represents each personality to me, I hope you enjoy this playful exploration!

The 12 Archetypes of personality, chosen by Carl Jung, are the foundations for characters in movies, literature, art, and the life where we live and breathe. I am exploring all 12 of the archetypes through self-portraits and embodying each as I understand them within myself. Along with the portraits, I have included a playlist that represents each personality to me, I hope you enjoy this playful exploration!

The 12 Archetypes of personality, chosen by Carl Jung, are the foundations for characters in movies, literature, art, and the life where we live and breathe. I am exploring all 12 of the archetypes through self-portraits and embodying each as I understand them within myself. Along with the portraits, I have included a playlist that represents each personality to me, I hope you enjoy this playful exploration!

The 12 Archetypes of personality, chosen by Carl Jung, are the foundations for characters in movies, literature, art, and the life where we live and breathe. I am exploring all 12 of the archetypes through self-portraits and embodying each as I understand them within myself. Along with the portraits, I have included a playlist that represents each personality to me, I hope you enjoy this playful exploration!

The 12 Archetypes of personality, chosen by Carl Jung, are the foundations for characters in movies, literature, art, and the life where we live and breathe. I am exploring all 12 of the archetypes through self-portraits and embodying each as I understand them within myself. Along with the portraits, I have included a playlist that represents each personality to me, I hope you enjoy this playful exploration!

The 12 Archetypes of personality, chosen by Carl Jung, are the foundations for characters in movies, literature, art, and the life where we live and breathe. I am exploring all 12 of the archetypes through self-portraits and embodying each as I understand them within myself. Along with the portraits, I have included a playlist that represents each personality to me, I hope you enjoy this playful exploration!

The 12 Archetypes of personality, chosen by Carl Jung, are the foundations for characters in movies, literature, art, and the life where we live and breathe. I am exploring all 12 of the archetypes through self-portraits and embodying each as I understand them within myself. Along with the portraits, I have included a playlist that represents each personality to me, I hope you enjoy this playful exploration!

The 12 Archetypes of personality, chosen by Carl Jung, are the foundations for characters in movies, literature, art, and the life where we live and breathe. I am exploring all 12 of the archetypes through self-portraits and embodying each as I understand them within myself. Along with the portraits, I have included a playlist that represents each personality to me, I hope you enjoy this playful exploration!

I am sharing 5 self-love tips from those who are living abroad, living at home, or just simply living. These are my favorite pick-me-ups when I need a little love.

I thought the idea of moving to Spain would be a dream. After arriving, I realize that it is beautiful and has all the markings of a living-abroad-fantasy, but that doesn’t mean it has been easy.

I am an American woman living in Spain and I am sharing my experience. From the trials and tribulations to the culture and food and all my tricks and tips in between, I am sharing it all.