P2: Classic Portrait

Project 2: Portrait Assignment

What exactly is a portrait? When we describe a photograph of a person as a “portrait” we tend to think of it as being a truthful visual representation of that individual—next best to the real thing. If the eyes are deemed to be the window to the soul, then does the lens function as the recorder of that soul? Photographic portraiture can, particularly when employing a formal approach, not only record how a person looks, but also capture the essence and nature of the sitter.

For our next assignment, you’ve been asked to create self-portraits. You are allowed to ask a friend to help you set up the light, hold a reflector, or push the shutter-release button, but you must be the one ‘directing’ the photo shoot.

Criteria

Digitally (for our blog): email to nil.santana@acu.edu
3 final images in black and white:

• face value
• detail of the body
• object

Printed (12×18)
2 final images

• face value
• detail or object

Try a variety of styles and settings: found portrait vs. studio, soft light vs. hard light, natural vs. artificial, back of the head vs. face, etc.

Background
Black, white, or neutral color — keep it simple!

Presentation – Tuesday Oct 7th. Works must be ready for presentation at the beginning of class.

Grade Criteria
Research (look online for other examples, find inspiration from other photographers) 10 points
Execution (concept, creativity, composition, light, focus) 40 points
Editing technique (good tonal value, contrast) 25 points
Visual/Verbal Presentation (critique) 25 points

Student Samples

by Colin Havard

by Paige Baumgartner

by Glen Halbert

  

Evan Marks

 

Lauren St. John

Leanne Kawahagashi