Self portrait. Or not.

Our last assignment for our photo class was to turn the portrait assignment inward. Apply the same questions to ourselves and create a self portrait that spoke of who we are. Or not.

We were to consider these questions...

• How do you see yourself?
• How do you want others to see you?
• Would you tell us the truth or try to make us believe something else?
• You are allowed to use some photoshop magic if you wish. 

We studied some photographers who have made a name for themselves shooting self portraits. A few, like Natalie Dybiz, are photoshop masters. I. Am not. So I chose not to go that route.

Instead, inspired by Cindy Sherman, the queen of self portrait photography, I decided to answer the first two questions, and then tried to have some fun a la my favorite collection of Cindy Sherman's works. Her Untitled Film Stills.

I had soooo much fun doing this portrait. Way more than if I had just taken a picture of myself. This was like being a kid playing dress up. I even wore two pieces of my mom's jewelry that I doubt I'd ever have the opportunity to wear in real life.

But I have to say. After doing so, my admiration for Cindy Sherman soared. This was NOT easy to do. There was always some little detail that went awry. The lime was covering my face. Or the magazine was flopping over. Or one of my legs was cut off. Using a digital camera I could figure this out in a matter of minutes. But Cindy Sherman did all of her portraits for that series with a film camera. I cannot even imagine how she managed.

And...I'm proud to tell you that this photo will also be in the show. My teacher wants me to blow it up really big too. Not sure how comfortable I am with that idea. But, heck, it's me. Yet it's not.

Perception, baby, Perception.

Note: If you have an extra 10 minutes, click on the Cindy Sherman link and then click on the Watch Now button. The interview with Cindy Sherman starts at about 15:45. It is so worth watching. She is a really interesting person. Bizarre, yet fascinating.