The purpose was to look closely at half of a portrait and complete the portrait by drawing similar features; as well as to practice drawing facial features: eyes, nose, and mouth.
This helped me a lot with how different aspects of the face effect it as a whole. It showed me how to use the different methods we had talked about in class on paper in comparison to an actual photo as my guide. The photo being there was like a kind of safety net it gave me something to look at and to duble check something that was consistent for me to practice with before trying to draw something more inconsistent like my own face that though wouldn't change drastically would have sutler differences like lighting or hair placement.