Pratibha Gihar

Self-portraiture is more than just standing in front of a lens—it’s storytelling, healing, and art.  These images were captured in natural light, drawing from both indoor and outdoor settings. What makes them transformative is not just the framing, but the editing process in Lightroom, where light, colour, and tone come together to create mood and meaning. In this post, I’ll break down the editing approach I used on these photographs, the thought process behind each choice, and how subtle adjustments can elevate an image from raw capture.  1. Harnessing Natural Light Indoors The indoor shots by the window are a blend of soft natural light and intentional contrast . The light streaming in creates a painterly quality—highlighting skin tones while keeping the background slightly muted. Lightroom Breakdown: Exposure: Slightly increased (+0.20) to keep skin luminous. Contrast: Boosted (+15) to bring definition between subject and background. Highlights: Lowered (-20...

  There are times in life when words fail. When the weight of daily battles, unspoken frustrations, and invisible wounds presses so heavily that even breathing feels like work. I recently found myself in that place—a space where my mind felt clouded, my heart exhausted, and my spirit searching for a way to hold on. In those moments of anxiety and inner turbulence , I turned to something unexpected: the camera . Not to capture the world outside, but to capture myself. At first, it felt strange—standing alone in front of a lens. But soon, I realised that photography was not about vanity or performance . It became a form of therapy. Each shot was not just an image, but a release. The act of framing myself, of holding still, of facing my own reflection in the shadows and light, allowed me to process emotions I had buried. This particular photograph—half in light, half in shadow—mirrors exactly how I have felt. Some days, overwhelmed by darkness; other days, reaching toward hope. But...