Me, originally uploaded by Enmicropedias.

It's weird to be on the other side of the camera, even when there's no one holding it. That's a big black lens staring at you. I almost never have my photo taken, so it was really enlightening for me to sit there and experience what it is like for some of the subjects I photograph, the thoughts that go through your head, your sudden hyper-awareness of your body and face, and the multitude of options that are available for positioning them, without really knowing what the effect will be. I tried some of the tips I usually give my subjects, like mental imaging to create an external mood that is subtle and genuine. I think it helps even if only due to taking your mind slightly off your physical presence and focusing it on a calm comfortable internal presence. Anyways, I'm happy with it, and now I want to take portraits like this (lit in the same fashion, against black) of all my friends.