The requirements
of the assignment are as follows:
-- At least 1 memory card full of images
-- At least 7 edited and tonally retouched final images
Don't worry about variety in your final images, however variety must be present
in your contact sheets. I want to see plethora of ideas explored before you
decide on the final images.
The objective of this assignment is for you to begin to consciously express
ideas in your photographs. You should make images which convey some aspect
of your identity to the viewer, not merely your physical appearance. You should
think about clothing, body language, environments, facial expressions, props
...
It is permissible to have an assistant release the shutter for you, however
it must be your ideas not theirs.
If you find yourself at a loss as to what to make images about, here are some
suggestions:
1. Explore your personal history. You may want to incorporate other images
into your pictures, e.g., snapshots of relatives, lovers or your childhood.
Perhaps collage is an appropriate approach.
2. Absentee self-portrait: Assemble objects that have personal significance
and present them in an interesting manner or create environments that portray
some aspect of your identity (lighting will be crucial to convey the correct
mood).
3. Fantasy: Role playing has always been an important part
of self portraits. The lies you tell about yourself can be just as important
as the truths. Dress up as your favorite fantasy.
4. Body language: Use your body as an instrument with
which to express yourself. Explore facial expressions, gestures, details of
body parts...
5. Photograph yourself in environments that somehow portray part of your psyche.
6. Just let go and be you -- there is plenty of room for humor
in art.
These are not requirements for the assignment. Try ideas of your own or combine
ideas. The key word is expression. I will stress creativity highly in this
assignment. You know yourself better than you know anything else in the world.
Pay attention to your dreams. Don't be afraid to try anything -- you don't
necessarily have to print it. The technical aspects of the medium are always
important.
REMEMBER:NO SENTIMENTALITY. BE IMAGINATIVE
AND BE INDIVIDUAL AND YOU WILL BE INTERESTING!