Photography Breadth Assignment #4

Narrative Portrait Series

Focus: Repetition, rhythm, balance, Proportion, figure/ground, unity,

Goal: Manipulating the face: Create a series of at least 10 portraits that are not your typical portrait. Look at examples of manipulating the face

Some Things to Think About:

Self-portraiture is a broad subject full of different approaches, with each approach revealing something of the photographer’s nature. Self-portraiture is an inquiry into identity, if we intend to use ourselves as a subject we must answer the fundamental questions of “who am I, where do I fit into the world?” But is the answer how we see ourselves or how others see us?

Like the interpretation of a photograph, our persona is contextual, we are defined by our education, surroundings, profession, possessions, family, and associations, these contexts establish our status within society and, much as we like to think we are independent and self-led, most of us tend to play the role expected of us.

How to Get Started:

Using your sketchbooks, explore the paragraph above in order to answer the question of “who am I, where do I fit into the world?” Since you are required to take 10 photos, you can explore different avenues in order to give the viewer a further understanding of your subject matter and content.

Keep in Mind:

• The color that you choose to use, or not use, sets up the tone of your photo.
• Depth of Field: What background information will you be showing, or not showing the viewer.
• Make sure that your focal point is something that forces the viewer to dig deeper into your content.