Time to Shine

Here’s how my new profile picture came to life. I felt my social media presence was lacking, so I needed a fresh photo that showed who I am today. The issue was that I’m not great at taking selfies. I decided to take on the challenge and started snapping pictures with my smartphone.

I took about twenty or thirty selfies, trying different angles and lighting. Finally, I found one that looked decent. It felt like an accomplishment, but I wanted to personalize it even more. I started using photo editing apps to add filters, adjust brightness and contrast, and play with color saturation. As I edited, I saw the image transform.

At one point, I realized that my picture reminded me of a magazine cover. This inspired me with the vibrant look of the hip-hop magazine VIBE that I used to love. With this idea in mind, I decided to create a fictional magazine called SHINE. I wanted it to celebrate diversity and creativity, sharing stories about people’s journeys and passions.

As I worked on my profile picture, I felt proud. What started as a simple selfie session turned into a reflection of my personality and a nod to the artistic influences that shaped me. In the end, this was more than just a picture; it represented my story, my self-expression, and a celebration of my journey.