B&W Self Portraits

So I definetely felt kind of awkward taking self portraits. It's something I'm not really practiced in.. so I resorted to the mirror. I think my favorite ended up being the first or fourth. I liked that they weren't too obviously 'smiling in the mirror', and I think that the black and white are most intense in those two photos.

Self Portraiture Inspiration

This self portrait was taken by Ilse Bing in 1931. I like the idea of a self portrait that shows the most obvious of the personality traits. That she's a photographer, and used her creative and artistic eye to create a good picture.

I love the personality that's bursting from this photo. The pastels of the

photo, and the hat combine to explain the attitude of her eyes and raised eyebrows, with the bubble adding to this.

I think this is my favorite of the different self portraits. it's definetely different, because it's 4 pieces, but it's one that was set up. I always kind of think as photographers as being camera shy..they like being behind the camera in most cases, instead of in front of it. in every photo her face is hidden..but it gradually gets less and less hidden..like a series. I love that.

My Childhood

Something Green

Sillhouettes

Current Portfolio Options

I think that one of the strongest attributes to this photo, is the concept of color. The photo was black and white, and than I overlapped with another photo that I took of the glare of christmas tree lights. I think that it shows a nice contrast between the colors and the lack thereof, but also the cheer of the lights, and the seriousness in her expression.

The strength of this photo, in my opinion, is the concept. The subject is an attractive teenage girl, but the concept of childhood is all around her. The bubbles are the most obvious form of childhood play, but then you look closer to see she's playing the piano in a lake, which brings the summertime activity of swimming, the youth of playing a keyboard, and the immaturity of dragging a keyboard into a lake all together.

This photo is kind of generic, but if you look closely you realize there's something weird about it. Her reflection is not connected to the boots above the reflection, which I was trying to use to make a statement about that individual. It was meant to imply that she was a little lost at the moment, and felt disconnected with herself, while trying to figure it out (looking at her reflection.)

The photo of the spider and the flower's strength is color contrast. I like it because the background has blacked out completely, leaving the flower alone, and like the spider is guarding his home from any unseen and unwanted visitors.

The color and silouhette in this photo is what sticks out, and why I'm thinking of including it in my portfolio. It's a delicate portrait of the side profile, with the cool colors merging with the warm colors behind her face.

This nature photograph was focused on that one waterdroplet on the middle leaf, which you can vaguely see the reflection of the flowers around it in. The colors jump out as well, but the single thing about this photograph that I like is the macro. You can see the glint in the water droplets, and the veins and hairs in the leaves.

Inspiration

http://www.richardavedon.com/
Richard Avedon was one of my favorite photographers. If you click on the link above, it should take you to a photo of audrey hepburn. I love this photo, and it matches a lot of Avedon's work. There are harsh shadows on one side of her face, while the other side practically blends in with the wall, showing the immaculate complexion of her skin.



http://nicholasmendise.com/photographs1.html
In this case, the photograph is the thing I'm a fan of. This photograph was the winner of Hearst Corporation 'Star Photographer.' It's a film photograph, and I find it incredibly interesting. The swarm of butterflies around her face can have several interpretations. What comes to my mind, is that that girl is overwhelmed with stress, and can't clear her mind. The fogginess of the photo kind of adds that vibe.

http://ericraydavidson.tumblr.com/
Eric Ray Davidson is a photographer that I noticed for a portrait in Elle Magazine. When I researched him a little later, I really loved al lof his portraits. It seems to be something he likes to focus on. They have a theme of being full of expression, with just a hint of the subjects story from the background.




This painting is one that really drew me in, mostly because at first, I was confused. The confusion intrigued me. It seems like the artist is in the painting, holding his artwork, and looking at the small parts of his painting that need to be touched up. I really like the thought that must have been put in to this painting.

This painting was another that inspired me by it's story and interpretations. What I interpreted of this painting by Eric White, was that there's more to this girl that everyone thinks. Everytime it seems like someone's got her figured out, there's another color, (identity), inside that comes out.

Icebreaker

Hey Guys!
My name is Dominique Hessert, and I'm one of several participating in the Online Portfolio Preparation Course. I live on Mount Desert Island in Maine, and go to MDI High School. I'm 16 going on 17, and will be a senior this upcoming year. Like all of you, I have a passion for photography, and I'm hoping that this online course will help me improve my work.
Other than photography though, I have several interests. The biggest one, I'd say, is music. I play the trumpet, piano, and sing, as well as dance, which is a huge part of my life. I started dancing when I was 2 years old, and if there were ever to be something that I would study other than Photography, it would be dance. I also love to write, and hope to pursue in journalism as a minor in college.
One little interesting thing about me, is I have 4 dogs. My family is full of crazy dog lovers, and recently (4 months ago) we got a new puppy, who I loved to pieces. Anyways, I'm anxious for you to see my work and critique it, and see yours as well! :)