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This assignment is an experiment. You will use a mirror (any size, any condition) as a compositional tool to explore. The goal is not perfection. This is all about experimentation and discovery! You may find a technique, theme/idea, or way of seeing that you want to develop further for your SIQ.
This assignment is an experiment. You will use a mirror (any size, any condition) as a compositional tool to explore. The goal is not perfection. This is all about experimentation and discovery! You may find a technique, theme/idea, or way of seeing that you want to develop further for your SIQ.
NOTE: This is a low-risk assignment meant to push your thinking. You are trying a new strategy (mirror) to see what it unlocks, if anything. You don’t need to commit to it long-term. You’re just asking: What happens if I try this?
NOTE: This is a low-risk assignment meant to push your thinking. You are trying a new strategy (mirror) to see what it unlocks, if anything. You don’t need to commit to it long-term. You’re just asking: What happens if I try this?
Objectives:
Experiment with a new prop or strategy (mirror) to expand visual thinking
Explore reflection, framing, distortion, layering, or symbolism
Practice intention
Reflect on how experimentation can influence SIQ
The Assignment
The Assignment
Assignment Requirements
Assignment Requirements
Create 4-5 images total
All images must clearly incorporate a mirror
Mirror can be:
Clean, cracked, foggy, warped, handheld, found, broken, any size, etc.
You can shoot portraits, landscapes, or both... but think of how best to utilize this assignment to experiment with your SI.
Ideas to help you get started:
You can composite (combining different elements or images into one artwork to create new meanings) images in Photoshop, as long as you use images YOU took.
Combine reflected and non-reflected spaces
Use the mirror as subject, frame, or illusion
B/W vs. Color
Images on images on images, they repeat forever! Linked HERE
NOTE: You will NOT be penalized for images that “fail” if they show genuine exploration!
PHOTO 2 ASSIGNMENT: Don't worry about the SIQ, that's for AP students... I want you to take 4-5 images that all explore a clear mood or theme. Your goal is to move BEYOND simple reflection and use the mirror creatively to communicate an idea, emotion, or story. Think carefully about how your use of reflection strengthens the mood you are trying to express.
Note: your photos MUST have a clear mood and work together as a series. This is NOT 5 random mirror pictures. They should feel connected visually and emotionally.
You must also submit a short artist statement (1 paragraph) explaining:
Your chosen mood/theme
How the mirror helps communicate that mood
One challenge you faced and how you solved it
AVOID THE OBVIOUS! It will not earn you a top grade...
Do not submit 5 nearly identical mirror photos. Vary distance (close-up vs. wide shot), perspective, focus (sharp vs. blurred reflections), subject matter
Final thought: A mirror does more than reflect a face! it can reflect identity, truth, insecurity, memory, and much more! Your task is to decide what YOUR mirror reveals. Take a look at the inspo below...
Some ideas to help you get started You do NOT have to do any of these, just meant to help you go deeper with meaning!
Some ideas to help you get started You do NOT have to do any of these, just meant to help you go deeper with meaning!
If you are doing portraits:
A portrait where the mirror shows something different than the subject (emotion, identity, environment)
A face partially revealed or hidden through reflection
A mirror used to multiply, fragment, or distort the subject
A self-portrait where the photographer is present but not obvious
A mirror that reflects something the subject cannot see
If you are focusing on landscapes:
A mirror reflecting part of the landscape and placed into a contrasting environment
A reflected landscape composited into a different location
For example: Taking a photo of the mirror reflecting one natural scene and editing it by blending edges to create a believable or surreal result into a picture of an urban setting, to say something about nature vs. man. As long as you took both images, this could be a strategy that adds meaning to your SIQ.
A mirror acting as a window or portal in nature
Breaking the horizon line using reflection
Showing two versions of the same place (real vs reflected)
If you want to get more conceptual:
Reflection as truth vs illusion
Inside vs outside
Reality vs memory
Control vs chaos
The mirror as a tool to interrupt reality
Since we experimented with our SIQ, we need to reflect!
Since we experimented with our SIQ, we need to reflect!
Please answer these questions in your AP journal:
Please answer these questions in your AP journal:
What strategies did you try using the mirror?
What worked, what didn’t, and what surprised you?
Did this experiment give you ideas for your SIQ? Why or why not?
Where do you think you will go from here with your SIQ?
Inspo from artists!
Inspo from artists!
More Inspo!
More Inspo!
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