Cell Phone Photography.doc

Self-Portrait Cell phone photography

Think about how you already use photographs.  You probably take lots of group photos and selfies in order to display yourself in a flattering way to the world, document fun times or a “current situation,” or simply to help you remember something. But a photograph can capture a lot more than that. It’s an art making tool we all have access to.    

Do a photoshoot (taking many photos in one sitting) for the following:

1. Self-portrait of yourself in an environment that says a lot about who you are.  Utilize the entire background to capture as much of your personality as possible. 
2. Still life (arrangement of inanimate objects, no people or pets) that illustrates who you are (or who you want to portray yourself as).  In other words, a self-portrait that doesn’t include you yourself.
3. Self-portrait (limited to head or head and torso) that’s simply you. No background, no props, BUT it MUST include HIGH CONTRAST LIGHTS AND DARKS.  This can be easily achieved by using just one light source. Example: Overhead light off with a lamp (no shade) or flashlight, angling it to get different dramatic effects.  I recommend taking these at night and/or a space where you can fully control all light sources.  This self-portrait should be very dramatic, honest, and free of any outside object or distraction.

After your photoshoots, closely review each photo.  Consider which ones are the most successful (the most interesting, compelling, powerful, captures “you,” and shows good use of formal elements such as composition, light/dark, color, texture, mood, etc.) and narrow it down to the very “best” ones. Then, select ONE for each (one for #1, #2, and #3; three photos total).  Lastly, post all THREE photos to your ePortfolio (inside a Cellphone Photoshoot” tab you create). Include text/caption/title for each photo. Gallery is a good module for this.

A few important things to keep in mind BEFORE you begin:

• For inspiration, do an online search for images by the following photographers: Sebastiao Salgado, Gordon Parks, Herman Leonard, Walker Evans, Helen Levitt, Alfred Stieglitz, Cindy Sherman, Julia Margaret Cameron. 
• You can take color photos, black and white, or combination of both. 
• Be extra aware of the COMPOSITION of your photos as well as COLOR, LIGHT/DARK CONTRAST, BALANCE, MOOD, TEXTURE, and MOVEMENT!  Good execution of these formal elements is the difference between “art” photography and just another random photo. 
• For all three, you (or, for #2, your still life) should clearly be the primary focus with nothing distracting in the background. Avoid accidentally capturing random people or things that have nothing to do with you (or, if you do, make sure they are out of focus).