Tell the camera what you look like.

Todays guest writer is Annevi Petersson, a Swedish graphic artist and photographer who lives in Melbourne and is the brains and heart behind the blog Oskrivna linjer

Every time I go through the passport control at an airport the same thing happens. Behind the window sits a serious controller looking at me, then at the passport, and then back again; inspecting me. At the second glance, I usually smile encouragingly, yes, oui, it's me.

I don’t even recognize myself in the picture either. I waited a long time in queue, and many were in line after me when I went to take my passport photo at the police station. I didn’t even have time to blink before my photo appeared on the screen. My wish to retake the picture was met with a stone face and; frustrated, I signed the passport with an expressive signature which subsequently makes me nod in agreement with the passport officer. Something's wrong with this picture.

It's easy to take a portrait, but it is harder to take a portrait that says something. You are your own photographer and you know what you are feeling right now. Let that show. If you’re angry your eyes will let on, if you’re sad your eyes shine and when you're happy they glitter. Dare to take pictures that reflect who you are.

You can create drama by hiding things in the shadows, or show different sides of yourself by moving the camera. A photo taken from above makes you look slimmer. A photo taken from the bottom gives a completely different effect. Look at what's behind you. A single color or busy background makes a big difference.

I have blogged for a couple of years, but this is the first time I have posted a self-portrait in which my whole face is visible. We'd love to see your self-portrait and would be happy if you send it to navid@365thingsyoucando.com