View allAll Photos Tagged selfexpression
Woman with striking red hair and bold makeup poses against a dramatic background under soft lighting
A woman with vibrant red hair and bold makeup stands confidently in a black and red outfit. Her striking features and the artistic background create a captivating scene.
"She Stands in the Circle"
The room bends toward her.
Not in fear.
Not in worship.
But in recognition—
as if it has been waiting for her
since the first brushstroke of its creation.
Her hair is a river of fire,
pouring over her shoulders,
catching the soft light
and turning it into something alive.
Black and red cling to her frame
like they were made for no one else—
armor and invitation,
danger and desire,
stitched into the same breath.
Behind her, the great circle rises—
moon, halo, omen—
its texture whispering of storms
and the quiet after.
She does not pose.
She occupies.
She does not smile.
She commands.
Every detail—
the cut of her jacket,
the red at her lips,
the stillness in her gaze—
is a sentence in a language
only the bold can speak.
And in that language,
she says without sound:
_I am here.
I am whole.
I am the art you came to see._
Bikini Thoughts - Closer: Godox V1 rear left and right with umbrellas. Godox AD200 in octogonal softbox above left for main light, above right in 30x120 softbox for fill.
Bikini Thoughts - Kneeling: Godox V1 rear left and right with umbrellas. Godox AD200 in octogonal softbox above left for main light, above right in 30x120 softbox for fill.
Dress: Max Studio
Cardigan: Gap
Shoes: Charles David
Cameo: Vintage from the Rose Bowl Flea market in LA
Earrings: Vintage from OhFaro.etsy.com
Blogged here: elsita.typepad.com/thehiddenseed/2009/03/pink.html#comments
No matter what you choose to do in life, I think that it's important to feed your brain. It's important to surround yourself with people who are in similar disciplines but have different perspectives. It's important to attend conferences and workshops that dive deeper than technique - the ones that ask the deeper question of why?
Lately, I'd been experiencing a bit of a lull in my work. I felt like my work didn't have a particular unique style or felt original. After hearing so many times your work looks like this person's, I began to pull back. I began feeling like "what's the point?" No one looks at my work and says, "that is so Anna Bruce" - yet.
But I'm fueled. I'm fired up because during yesterday's Promoting Passion event, I began to understand that I'm just scratching the surface of my potential and capability. That in order to create something that is truly you, you have to experiment more, ask what you love about an image or work of art and how can you make it "you", go to museums and be inspired by what's around you. Most importantly, I learned to be aware of words that describe you and your personality. For me: bold and dramatic are words that describe me and those are words that I want to describe my work. It's a start.
I was also kindly reminded that it takes time. 10 years to be at a place where your work is more defined, people know you and you're not sinking under water. I knew this but being reminded, gave me the exact fuel I needed to keep going.
Where do you stand with your work?
With the energy of Love Sensation flowing through every step, this vibrant Swank Pride collection celebrates individuality, confidence, and unapologetic self-expression. From sophisticated dresses and contemporary streetwear to rainbow-inspired accessories, artistic beauty details, and playful Pride creations, each model embodies a unique facet of love, diversity, and modern luxury. 💖
👔 Menswear elegance comes alive through the refined casual style of HH, C.Y. Fashion, Aura Design, RGDW, and LF Design, combining tailored shirts, premium denim, contemporary shorts, sneakers, and versatile separates that blend comfort with modern sophistication.
💃 Feminine glamour shines through the colorful creations of Le'La Designs, COSMOS, Labelita, Liziaah Outfit, and Asia Ambra Outfit, enhanced by the beauty artistry of JUMO Beauty and StunnerOriginals, creating looks that radiate confidence, elegance, and individuality.
🌈 Pride-inspired fashion takes center stage with the bold rainbow creations of RGDW, the flowing Pride Cape by Goddess Creations, colorful body art by LUNA, Pride-inspired accessories from Spell & Charms, and expressive tattoos by Venus Tattoo, transforming every silhouette into a celebration of authenticity, diversity, and inclusion.
Playful touches add personality and joy through animated gifts and accessories from Arpels Poses, whimsical Pride teddy bears and colorful coffee moments from Spell & Charms, rainbow nails from Nail Bliss, and vibrant details that capture the carefree spirit of Pride and the uplifting energy of Love Sensation. 🎶✨
💎 Statement jewelry, beauty enhancements, and artistic details elevate every look through the craftsmanship of Drunken BrokkR, the shape artistry of Atelier Velvet Vogue, expressive brows from Wren's Nest, luxurious lip enhancements from JUMO Beauty and StunnerOriginals, and carefully curated finishing touches that transform fashion into a powerful expression of identity and self-confidence.
Celebrate color, diversity, and creativity with this vibrant Home & Garden retreat
created for the Swank Events PRIDE Hunt 2026. This colorful space combines elegant
furnishings, artistic décor, tropical accents, and meaningful Pride-inspired creations
to transform any Second Life home into a welcoming sanctuary of love and self-expression.
Coral & Confidence: A bright, high-key studio portrait with an easy summer feel. Soft light keeps the skin tones natural and flattering, while the coral swimwear adds a warm pop of color against the clean white background. Relaxed, confident, and effortless.
Shot on a Pentax K-1 with diffused Godox lighting.
Blogged here: elsita.typepad.com/thehiddenseed/2009/11/a-paper-bird.htm...
Dress and sunglasses : Vintage
Boots: Fluevog
Beret: Nordstrom
Tights: Target
Blogged here: elsita.typepad.com/thehiddenseed/2009/08/mini-dress.html
Dress: Forever 21
Shoes: Anthropologie
Headband: Anthropologie
Bracelet: Gift from Bill
B&W - N&B
The tip of the paddle points to the point
The morning mist represents the great unknown
I let go
I let God
On most days
Just keep moving is my part in a journey into the unknown
Hope that you care to join me
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRwQ1jOtH3g
Cry me a river - Diana Krall in Paris
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This weekend the mood to spend time as a woman was very strong. Typically, for me anyway, I had no opportunity to actually fulfil my enthusiasm. My usual coping method is to browse my pictures sand videos recorded in previous sessions where I became a woman.
I've been musing recently on how my approach has shifted and that I no longer feel I'm a man dressing up when I become Helene but I'm a woman. Technically, I am a man using make-up, shaving off body hair, wigs, body shaping aids, wearing female clothing and changing my posture, thinking and behaviour. I feel I now become a woman and the man is no more.
Some may accuse me of delusion, I've even been told I have a mental illness. I don't see it that way at all. I acknowledge I'm not a cisgender woman but I adore women, I admire them and Helene is an homage to them. I seek to honour them not parody them. When I align physically and in my mind with Helene I feel I've become her, she is a female to me. She is me and I feel free.
Most men have no desire to present as a female but there are many who do. It's a life long struggle for many of us that have these desires. I admire those who accepted themselves at a young age and are out there being girls in their teens and young women. I dreamed of it and dressed as a girl in private as a teenager and felt pure joy when I was female. I wanted to head out as one of the girls. Back then many girls were rather cruel to me if they found out and gave me a hard time. Not many were supportive.
I genuinely have regrets that I let my fears dominate me and I missed out on years of spending part of my life as a woman. I did not seek to transition but I did want to spend time being female. I dreamed of the freedom to be either gender. Some days I was okay being a man and on others I was keen to become a woman. This has been referred to as gender fluidity and I suppose thats a description that fits.
I'm older now and cannot escape the past. I suppressed my desires to spend time as a woman through fear of discovery but I now need to go forward. The bottom line is enjoy and feel good being a woman, so much so that when I'm Helene I do forget I'm a man! It no longer scares me, I feel I'm now finally unlocking my full persona. I am both man and woman and the woman needs to be alive now and again.
Physically those who are hostile to and despise men such as me who say they become female are judging me on my birth gender and physicality. There is no empathy to ones feelings and inner desire to fully express themselves in a way that is their inner truth.
My inner truth is I need my female self to live, not all of the time I admit, but she does need to be real and exist, thats all I seek. For this though I can receive condemnation. The truth I realise this desire I have is not going to go away. I have no idea why it exists within me but it has been lifelong. When I become Helene it is always the most amazing, incredible and joyous experience. I love that she is a part of me. I cherish her
Bikini Thoughts - Kneeling: Malibu Strings Labor Day sale pickup. Godox V1 rear left and right with umbrellas. Godox AD200 in octogonal softbox above left for main light, above right in 30x120 softbox for fill.
Skirt: H&M
Top: Lucky Brand
Shoes: Lower East Side
Belt: Ambassador Roberta
Bracelet: Handmade by me
Blogged here: elsita.typepad.com/thehiddenseed/2009/03/bridge.html
The 25th Annual How Wɘird Street Faire is less than a week away -- it happens this coming Saturday (May the Fourth be with you).*
Taken at 24th Annual How Wɘird Street Faire, 14 October, 2023.
Howard Street, San Francisco, CA.
Artwork by Lord “Nychos” the Weird.
Undead Dragon? Bat? Both? And by “both” I mean that bats (along with dinosaurs, of course) are on the suspect list for dragon sightings. At least Western ones… I mean — look at those wings.
===================
*How Wɘird has been postponed until 21 September, due to dangerous weather on the originally-planned date (Star Wars Day: May the Fourth). I was looking forward to the costumes.
© Stephan Telm / Dragonbreath Press
Blogged here: elsita.typepad.com/thehiddenseed/2009/08/vintage-purse.html
Pants: H&M
Shirt: Forever 21
Shoes: Mod Cloth
Belt: Handmade
Purse: Vintage
"..I'm surrounded by saints
calm faces cover the lies
I see my end in their eyes..
I know I'm playing with fire
a selfish being full of desire
to disregard the rules of the Sire.."
I have spread my dreams under your feet; tread softly, because you tread on my dreams.
A long expoure shot. The colors are origional only adjusted levels and curves. Used flash in rear curtain mode with Cyan filter and played with the white balance in Camera
Dress: Ellen Tracy
Shoes: Linea Paolo
Earrings: Vintage from the Rose Bowl Flea Market here in LA
Blogged here: elsita.typepad.com/thehiddenseed/2009/03/river.html#comments
She’s clearly very shy….
Seriously though, that smile is radiant.
25th Annual How Wɘird Street Faire, 21 September, 2024.
Howard Street, San Francisco, CA.
She appears in the dreams of earthly wanderers
Who ache to feel the joy of existence
She assures us that there is nothing to fear
We are never alone
We are here to overcome old habits
Accept the challenges of the modern age
Defeat ignorance and procrastination
There is nothing we cannot imagine
Reach for tremendous heights together
Hear the rhythm of One Sound
We each listen so uniquely
Find our own way of self-expression
We think independent dreams separate us
Until we understand that all happiness
Is one happiness felt in endless ways
Together we experience life
In all its wondrous aspects
With vigilance in our aspirations
We remember:
Place trust in moral re-establishment
In social justice
In the cultivation of personal character
In the sacred feminine
In the innocence of childhood
Respect the sanctity of all life
In the sweet dance of interdependence
In the power of kindness
Ever resonant in the hearts of all
Believe in the infinite possibilities
Awakening in the One Heart
© Ganga Fondan, 2013
Twelve a Year April 2020
Started a group on Flickr for those who would like to join the "Twelve a Year" challenge.
One of the faces in the incredible throng of people who participated in the Women's March on New York.
Blogged here: elsita.typepad.com/thehiddenseed/2009/09/wavy-hair.html#c...
Top: Banana Republic
Skirt: Love stitch
Shoes: Fluevog
Belt: Nordstrom
What sets you free? How will you create from a place of pure “youness”?
(Full blog: www.photographythrive.com/roses-for-the-dead/";
Facebook Page --> follow Anna Bruce)
I am so grateful to Mrs. Death (as weird as that sounds) because the project of bringing her to life has – in its own way – set me free. There was something so incredibly liberating out of creating with a set prop and just letting your imagination run 100% completely wild. The best part is that I set aside my personal fears of judgement, tucked my head down and just created. At four images so far, Mrs. Death has taken a life of her own. She is dramatic, quirky, slightly humorous and caring. Just because she comes for those who are dying does not mean that she does not honor or respect the dead.
“Roses for the Dead” was created from a place of honoring those who’ve died and especially those who have passed with no one to mourn them. Mrs. Death comes to seek the dead with a red rose to honor their human lives.
I hope to be able to continue this project throughout the year. As a little girl, I have always had an interest in skulls and skeletons. I am grateful that my Mom never tried to change my interests or make me feel like something was wrong with me. Later on, I was judged for wearing my skeleton hoodie in July – someone walked up to me and told me that it wasn’t Halloween yet with a tone of slight disgust. I’ve never truly cared about such things but this person caught me during a vulnerable moment where that comment was like a seed planted in my heart. Basically, it was not okay to be 100% me – just the part that doesn’t weird people out is ok. Well, I am here to tell you (five or so years later) that being 100% me is the best feeling in this world and Mrs. Death has shown that to me.
Be free, be weird and most importantly be fiercely you because no one out there will ever come close.
✨Are we being our truest selves to our loved ones and do they create a safe space for us to do so?✨
Full Blog: www.fiercelypowerful.com/masquerade/
I'm tired of waiting, waiting for the time to come... but I still hoping that you will be there...
Vivitar UWS | Efiniti UXi 200
Kolej 17, UPM, Serdang, Selangor~
Press L for best view
Blogged here: elsita.typepad.com/thehiddenseed/
Dress: Anthropologie
Shoes: White mt.
Belt: From Nordstrom
Cute little blep. Having a great time.
24th Annual How Wɘird Street Faire, 14 October, 2023.
Howard Street, San Francisco, CA.
A farewell tribute to 2008. There was some bad yet there was really a great deal of good! Here's hoping 2009 tops it!
Twelve a Year: February
"you don't owe me anything. just go" - By Bradley Cae (poet)
Started a group on Flickr for those who would like to join the "Twelve a Year" challenge.
Blogged: elsita.typepad.com/thehiddenseed/2009/07/big-hair-big-blo...
Skirt: Anthropologie
Blouse: Forever 21
Boots: Fluevog
Cameo pin: Handmade by me
Hold me tight, but please let go
Leave me alone, I can't let you know
Don't pay attention; look at the sky
I can't let you see my 'happy' eyes cry
Let me look into your eyes, never never never look in mine
Cus these sparkling eyes aren't supposed to cry
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the beginning of the "My Hands are tied" series.. actually no!,, the beginning is this one.
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The series was inspired by the movie '300'. It was also inspired by this pix by Wanda X .
The editing was inspired by the song 'Savin' Me' by Nickelback.