Self-Portrait Project

9 lessons

Introduction to Photography

In this lesson, you will be introduced to a discussion surrounding identity and self-portraiture in a photographic context.

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Project outline

  1. In this project, you will create a series of self-portrait photographs that engage with any interpretation of your own identity.  It is encouraged that you use a workbook for this project to organise your research and imagery (visual diary A4 or A3 is best).  This project can be very personal to some people, however, it also doesn’t have to be!

    We will do this through the following lessons:

    • Introduction to the self-portrait 
    • Analyse artists/photographers 
    • Research artists/photographers 
    • Brainstorm your own identity 
    • Visualise your identity 
    • Plan and test shoots  
    • Shoot 
    • Edit 
    • Finalise output and finish artworks!

      Interpret the depth of the brief how you wish; the more experienced you are as a maker, the more you will bring to the table.

    Project outline

    Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird, 1940. Frida Kahlo

Aims

  • To establish a link between contextual research and your own photographic work
  • To approach your chosen area of interest in a new/dynamic way (informed by research done - aiming to ADD to current visual discussions)
  • Use photography as a tool to engage with not only personal experiences but wider societal or cultural issues

Equipment

  • Computer (to view slideshow)
  • Workbook (to take notes and answer questions)

Guiding questions

  1. Think about these questions as you work your way through the lesson:

    • What is a self-portrait? 
    • How have artists utilised the self-portrait over time?
    • How are self-portraits relevant to a wider understanding of yourself?
    • What is identity?
    • How do life experiences shape your identity? 

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Analysis