Duality
For the first Portrait assignment from last year we were tasked to produce a ‘selfie’, however it wasn’t just as simple as sticking your arm out on a mobile and taking a picture of your duckface. This was to be either a full or half body shot to express who we are, please creating a mood board outlining technical specifications and planning.
Despite what appears to be the sheer volume of evidence to the contrary I really don’t like having my photo taken, I guess unless I’m in creative control or I’m imparting a meaning or message to it (or I just don’t have access to models easily enough) so the idea of a ‘selfie’ just doesn’t appeal to me unless I can do something with it. I got this idea in my head about exploring my duality as both a photographer and as a costumer, i.e. someone who is often having photos taken of me.
Setting the mood (board)
My original idea was to shoot the entire thing practically as possible with minimal post work using a studio space with black backdrops, a large mirror, mood lighting etc etc etc. This almost immediately got pared down when I just couldn’t find a large mirror and honestly I was probably thinking too big at the time.
Opting instead for a simple setup I could do at home I setup a camera to get a daylight shot with myself as ‘photographer’ (including a nod to Perth’s Allied Costumers) and then having to wait until night time to get the mirror shot of me in costume; the idea being about duality and contrast, plus I could break out the lightsaber for an interesting colour and a joke on the idea of being a ‘ghost’ buster; for added effect a took a blank mirror image with an added easter egg.
Admittedly the post production took way too much time then original anticipated due to camera movement and other factors, but honestly I kinda was flexing on the whole being able to Photoshop business if I’m being a little honest, although some of that was also removing scars and blemishes I feeling a little self conscious about.
Duality (2021)
There is of course a hundred things I’d do different now eighteen months on but overall I’m still happy with the piece.
S
