Digital Photography: Project 1

SELFIES. We are all guilty of this little pleasure, some of us more than others. But what purpose does this guilty pleasure serve? Why the duckface? Why the fascination with bathroom mirrors? Is this really a true representation of self? For your first project you will put an end to the horrible selfie. Your task is to turn the pathetic selfie photo into something more creative, affective and powerful.

ASSIGNMENT
Create a blog post containing a total of three digital self-portraits that show off who you REALLY are, not just what you look like from a selfie point of view. Each of your selfies must focus on one of the following:

Angles: explore low, high, extreme angles, etc....anything but straight on, and try not looking directly at camera
Lighting: experiment with how a light source can improve the photo
Cropping: frame the shot to make it more dynamic

Your post must also include a brief (two to three paragraph) reflection explaining how your chosen selfies are a true representation of you. Utilize your knowledge of composition through rule of thirds, simplicity/close-up/filling the frame and lighting techniques to complete this assignment.

Since this is a self-portrait assignment, you are to be present in the frame in one way or another. You can recruit a friend to help...set-up the shot and handover your camera to your friend to hit the shutter release button. You can also download various mobile camera apps to help.

Do’s:

Be original
Tell a story about you (use props if applicable)
Think about composition
Consider lighting
Consider background
Have a theme that connects your series of photos

Use the below examples to help you better understand the assignment.

You should also go to this link for inspiration: http://yourshot.nationalgeographic.com/assignments/self-portrait/

Don’ts:

Avoid selfie no-no’s (duckface, bathroom mirror, driving in car)
Avoid clichés you read about in your research
Avoid boring or typical selfie compositions

I DO NOT WANT TO SEE PHOTOS SIMILAR TO THE ONES BELOW! Taking a photo in your bathroom mirror with the sink/toilet is NOT photography, nor is taking a picture of yourself in your car. BE CREATIVE!

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Exhibit an understanding of how portraits and self-portraits help you think about your own and others’ identity
Use close observation skills to feel good about yourself and the people around you
Demonstrate an exploration of various photographic tools and techniques for self-portraits/selfies