Photographer Chantal Convertini explains the power of shooting self-portraits on film to empower and love ourselves.

Many of us are in a constant cycle of distractions, and we rarely spend time alone. Even if we do, we don't often do things that allow for kind and loving self-reflection.

Eight years ago, a difficult time brought me to self-portraits. I was always fascinated with creating images from my earliest childhood, but nothing captivated me as much as photography.

When I started, I was in a mad state of mind. I constantly took self-portraits but was only able to put the power of taking these pictures into words years later.

If you have never done self-portraits on analogue film, the technical instructions are quite basic. The internal process that happens along the way works best when not forced or analysed too much.

Through shooting self-portraits, I learned techniques like using natural light and composition, but I also got to know and love myself better and more deeply than ever before.