Take 30+ self portraits that represent who you are as an individual. Through your lens, represent your identity, as you see it. It’s a chance to show the world who you really are! There may be something surprising about what you share. It may be a more personal perspective into your life and identity.
* Please visit our Flickr Set and Flickr Group using the links on the right to view some inspirational photographs and to post your final images.
These images will be narrowed down to your best two images for consideration in the Images of Self exhibition at The Light Factory Contemporary Museum of Photography and Film. The best of the best will be on display in our museum from February through April 2011.
Tips for Shooting:
- Think of these photographs as a way for others to learn something special or important about you. What would you like to share? What do people not know about you?
- Think about how you define yourself and focus with your lens on something that is true to how you see yourself. You may want to show off special talents or qualities, talk about your character (shy, trustworthy, bold, etc.) or discuss how you currently feel (frustrated, uncertain, at peace, etc.) You may incorporate props, pose in a way that represents these feelings, or use symbolism.
- Consider the examples on the Flickr set and how other artists have represented themselves in front of the camera. Take note of the kinds of images you were drawn to and see if you can incorporate what you liked into some of your own images.
- Decide on locations for images. Your environment can add a lot to your story. You can create an environment or you can find one. Make sure it’s appropriate for your message.
- Decide on a few different techniques and shoot them from many different angles before moving on to another concept.
- Consider your physical appearance. What should you wear, what you do with your body/face, should you by small or large in the frame, should you focus on a part of you rather than the whole you?
- You may ask a friend to assist in shooting the pictures for you but do direct the image creation as the artist. You may also use a self timer.
- You may also set up something that represents you and act as your presence in front of the camera. Only do this for one concept. In most cases, it will be more interesting to see even a tiny part of you rather than a pile of materials that represents you.
- The options are endless so give this your best shot. Remember, this is all about you and the objective is to create an image that encapsulates your identity, as you see it, through the creation of a picture (or many.)
