Thursday, June 9, 2011

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.

19 comments:

Amy said...

Congrats on making another piece into the show. I love the photo. It is a great "story telling"piece. Also - I'm in love with your kitchen - it's very bright and happy looking.

Have you ever heard of Brooke Snow? She does a lot of portraits with story telling. If you google her it will be the first thing to come up. Her blog gives lots of pointers and ideas. She even does online classes.

Seriously...great photo.

Kristin said...

Leave it to you to take a self portrait and turn it into such an interesting statement. Your attention to detail, choice of location and props and body language are all outstanding. It's fun to see another side of you in such a creative way. I love it and am so proud of you for making it into another show. I hope you'll still speak to all of us when you're rich and famous!

Karina said...

You are doing so fantastic with this class. Love this SP - how thrilling to be asked to have it in the show - you go girl. You are totally inspiring me to look into some photo workshops.

Andrea @ little buckles said...

Brilliant! Just genius is all I can say. I'd be showing off my legs if they looked.liked yours :)

Kerri said...

Holy smokes! Wow! What a picture Kim! Your instructor must be thrilled to have you in class...you are a pro at this! I'm amazed by your picture- gorgeous!
Did you get a haircut?!

Bridget said...

This picture is great! So cool that you're going to have teo pictures in the show, congratulations!

Gabe said...

So, that is what you do all day? Have cocktails and read magazines :)

Love this! Very well done! and creative! It seems like this class is really bringing out the inner photographer in you! Thanks for taking us along for the ride!

Amy said...

Oh wow. I LOVE this! Everything about it. And I want your kitchen. You've totally rocked that class and congrats on getting another photo in the show!

mandy said...

love this. and i love c.sherman. it's always interesting to see how different image are when they are bigger; the same and yet so much different. i think this image would be awesome as a wall projection.

sloan said...

Oh. My. Gaaaawd, Kim ... I am swooning over this amazing photo - I love every single detail - the lighting, the setting, the outfit, the 'props' ... the very idea ... I LOOOOOVE IT!!!! SO happy for you that it'll be on such grand display at the show - well deserved, friend ... LOVE!

kim {the non-mom blogger} said...

KIM.

This is AMAZING. You are AMAZING. I'm putting this on Pinterest - I'd love to do something like this, too....

kim {the non-mom blogger} said...

Also, this would make a GREAT header for your blog....

Pam said...

Ok seriously...I think I need to take this class. Your photography is amazing. There is so much I love about it...first of all you with your martini glass, barefoot with an apron on...we are total soul sisters. I love the lighting..I love the reflection on the counter in the forefront of the photo...and I love that you're not looking at the camera...really good stuff here Kim. Blow it up BIG.

Jen said...

Ditto....amazing. Super fun...let us see the rest of them. Awesome that another one is in the show! I bet your classmates are super annoyed with you. The gifted overacheiver that is putting them all to shame.

Nicolle said...

Kim, goodness gracious....this photo blew me away. I can't stop looking at it. WOW WOW WOW!!!!!!!....and I love that you are wearing some of your mom's jewelry too. That just makes the photo extra special.

karren said...

This is absolutely incredible! LOVE it!

Michelle said...

I love this photo. It says so much. Congrats on getting it into the show!

Dani said...

I love it. Selfies are soooo hard! I've done a few but it takes a big chunk of time, good lighting, and luck (for me at least).

I'm really enjoying your work. Go girl.

Diana said...

i cannot believe I missed this one before. It's terrific. Totally terrific. I love the hairdo, the pose, the martini and the cookies...I love the way the light fades in the background, the green bowl to the side, the reverse images of a book title in the front and your total "who cares?" attitude. Great. Made me smile and laugh out loud. June Cleaver has nothing on you.