hi there. don't see much laughter in your eyes, Ms. Kathryn.

Kathryn: Hi there, Mr. Viktor. Perhaps no laughter in my eyes, but always a song in my heart. I wonder what it is you see in my eyes.

I'm afraid that I have to agree with Viktor, Kathryn... we usually associate hi-key with youthful innocense, or seduction, not with such an apparently dark mood. In that, the paradox makes for a striking portrait. A very honest and brave self portrait. But I hope someone you love has a hug for you tonight.

Kathryn: Alan, if we can't be honest with ourselves, then what? Although from time to time a little self-delusion might be just what the doctor order. I have a hug for myself ;-)

I lack the capability to study myself with camera, Kathryn...but do it sometimes with my silent assistant in the bathroom.

He is an older Man...all wrinkles, receding hair and stained teeth...

He seems even more startled to see young Ray studying him than Young Ray seems to be when looking at him...

Young Ray is not blind, though, and still detects a sparkle and vitality in his older assistant...that is what makes him continue to value the acquaintance...

[What a superb work this is!]

Kathryn: Older Ray and Younger Ray, assist each other in eeking the valuable things in life and in Ray.

Old Kathryn takes off her trifocals so that only Young Kathryn looks into the mirror. But there are times, Ray, when Young Kathryn is out and about walking in the city and catches the reflection of a 52 year old woman, who looks quite a bit like her, starring at her in the glass of a window. She is always shocked and it often takes a few minutes for her to even recognize her old friend.

This looks like the serious Kathryn, not the smiling one we saw with Philine. It is a very good self portrait.

Kathryn: Bill, thanks. I do love to smile and often have people tell me that I have a smile that can light up a room. Serious, perhaps, but when I look at this self-portrait, I see myself as a 7th grade nervous unsure school girl.

Very nice high-key self portrait Kathryn. You are very serious today!

Kathryn: Thanks, Richard. Not so very serious--more into some self-reflection ;-)

This is indeed a very serious, unsmiling self-portrait, but perhaps that is how you were feeling that day? We don't always have to be smiling and putting on a brave face for the world.
Ingrid

Kathryn: Nope, we sure don't, Ingrid. Isn't it so liberating to just let yourself be and trust the rest of the world to just take you or not?

Hello Kathryn, I think this is a seriously good portrait.
Frank and honest and brave.
Why should portraits be smiling?

Kathryn: I wish I could hug you, Jose. You get it. We aren't all always "the beautiful people" with perfect smiles and teeth whose lives are whitewashed--at least I am not. And I sure wouldn't have it any other way.

You brave woman, you.

Kathryn: Brave? Ha, as if I could be anything other than this.

I think this is a suggestion of something deep inside you K' .... that you want us to be aware of.

richard

Kathryn: or something on the outside that is sort of immaterial when you look deeper, Richard.

it certainly is whats on the inside that matters Kathryn (thats no way i am suggesting your not attractive by the way)and this is one of the best self portrait's i have seen, and says a lot about your inner self Kathryn of that i have no doubt

Kathryn: ;-) one thing is for sure, Tim, i don't lack personality.

My goodness Kathryn what a strong strong portrait you have here, so much to read, so much to guess, so much that we need and want to know. The way that you have lit the scene in this high key promotes the viewer to engage with these slightly cold glass eyes that pack a human punch, the slight reflection and catch light in the pupil invite the viewer in enough to ask questions and ponder the potential answers. This is without question one of the strongest selfies that I have seen for a long long time. I love the shot. mal

Kathryn: Mal, if only we would all be so human as approach others in such a kind and human way as you--to allow ourselves to be drawn in enough to care to ask those hard questions and free ourselves to pondering potential answers.

An excellent portrait in its own right.

My interpratation of your serious look stems from my own experience - it is difficult to pose for a picture

Kathryn: Louis--nice to know i can look honestly at you and you appreciate it.

Ha, I am somewhat of a HAM when it comes to posing for pictures. I usually simply flash a smile and strike a pose. I decided not to here based on a thought a mentor shared with me some years ago.

serious yes , but fantatic, you almost disappear in the light

Kathryn: if you only knew how close your words are to being accurate--- a dance with light

Your photo brought tears to my eyes, Kathryn.
It is so full of humanity, so full of straight on honesty that it went straight to my heart. Not many portraits have that kind of power. It is soulful beyond words. Utterly amazing and full of beauty. Thank you so much for sharing it.

Kathryn: Suzanne, I suspect that your tears are a testament to your honest and human soul. I was compelled strip the pretenses and get to the heart of matters. Thank you for going there with me.

of that i have no doubt Kathryn

l have looked at this image a few times now, its just so powerful. When l look into your eyes and read your expression it seems to show someone who has lived through hard times and has the strength to hang in there.

Wonderful self portrait

i admire you to be brave enough to self-portrait...i wish all the others did the same, it'd be great, wouldn't it?

by the way..i'm very pleased to meet you...