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Contact sheet Green:

Yellow Contact Sheet:

Red Contact sheet (final Chosen Photo)

Reflections of the Heart

Composition

The elements in the portrait effectively display the subject’s emotional state. The hands covering the face suggest introspection or distress, drawing attention to the vulnerability of the moment. This gesture not only signifies a desire to shield oneself from the outside world but also conveys a deep sense of contemplation. The use of lighting enhances the mood, creating a dramatic atmosphere that complements the subject’s emotions. The interplay of shadows adds depth, enhancing the feeling of isolation or conflict within.

Visual Focus

Eyes are immediately drawn to the hands and the face, as they are the primary focal points. The contrast between the dark background and the subject’s features directs attention where it’s most impactful. The subtle highlights on the subject’s face and hands create a striking visual dynamic, emphasizing the emotion expressed in their posture. This contrast not only enhances visibility but also amplifies the emotional intensity of the moment.

Distractions

There are minimal distractions in the image, allowing the emotional weight of the subject to come through. The simplicity of the background supports the focus on the subject’s expression, ensuring that nothing detracts from the poignant moment captured. This deliberate choice in composition emphasizes the gravity of the subject’s feelings and invites viewers to engage more deeply with the emotional narrative.

Storytelling Quality

The portrait tells a story of inner turmoil or contemplation. The positioning of the hands suggests a narrative of struggle or reflection, inviting viewers to ponder the subject’s thoughts and feelings. Each viewer may interpret the narrative differently, seeing their own experiences of conflict or vulnerability mirrored in the subject’s expression. This openness fosters a personal connection, as the portrait becomes a canvas for individual stories of resilience and introspection.

Emotional Impact

The audience may identify with feelings of vulnerability and introspection captured in the portrait. The raw emotion expressed can evoke empathy and provoke a personal response, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own experiences of similar feelings. Feedback from others may reveal that the image resonates strongly, prompting discussions about emotional struggles and human connection. The portrait serves not only as a visual representation of emotion but also as a catalyst for conversations about mental health and the importance of acknowledging one’s feelings in a society that often encourages suppression.

Task 1

What makes a particular photograph a portrait?

• Focus on the subject’s face and facial emotions
• The person or face is the main subject of the photo
• For composition, it should take up most of the space in an image, highlight the main subject, using a shallow depth of field to draw attention towards the main subject.

Is a selfie a portrait?

• I think it is a portrait because it is a photo with the main subject’s (you or another person’s) facial expression, emotions, and body language.

What should or shouldn’t be included within a portrait?

• A portrait should have a main subject, which is a person, mostly their face
• It shouldn’t have a lot of distracting elements, negative space, and a messy background.

What makes a “Good Portrait”?

• Evokes emotional response and connection, which allows the viewer to engage with the photo.
• Capturing important moments, and true essence.
• Good lighting, composition and focus increases the effectiveness of the image.

Can a Portrait Consist of a Small Detail Only?

• Yes, photographers can take close-ups of eyes, hands and other features, they could also be considered portraits if it conveys something significant about the subject.

When Does a More Abstracted Representation Cease to Be a Portrait?

• Blurred, out of focus shots. When the subject is unrecognizable, it would be hard to figure out the main subject and the message.

Is It Possible to Represent a Person Without Them Being Present?

• I think yes, because personal items could also be used to represent a person.

Does a Portrait Have to Be a Single Photograph?

• No, it could be a series of images. It could be a facet of images that tell a story. Which functions as a portrait when interconnected by theme or context.

 

Task 2 – Finding A Focus – Emotions and Expressions

Focus on portraying a range of emotions related to mental health, such as anxiety, joy, resilience, and vulnerability. Incorporating close-ups to capture facial expressions and body language.

Task 3: Image inspiration

 

Task 4: Mood Board

Mind Map

These Photos demonstrate facial expressions how they could reflect inner emotions and thoughts.

Task 5: Statement of Intent

The title of this project is “Reflections of the Heart.” The societal issue I want to explore with my photographs is the complexity of human emotions and how they shape our identities. I want my audience to feel a deep connection to the subjects, evoking empathy and understanding of the diverse experiences that define us. I will get inspiration and develop my ideas by looking for photographs that capture raw, unfiltered emotions, focusing on portraits that reveal subtle expressions, candid moments, and the interplay of light and shadow, illustrating the profound narratives behind each face.

 

Artist Analysis

Steve McCurry is a world-renowned American photographer best known for his emotionally powerful portraits that reveal the depth and complexity of the human experience. His most famous image, Afghan Girl (1984), is a striking portrait of a refugee girl whose piercing gaze has become an icon of emotion and resilience.

Why He Fits My Project:

• Emotional Depth: McCurry captures raw, unfiltered emotions in his subjects, often under challenging or deeply human circumstances.

• Identity & Culture: His portraits reflect not just individuals but the stories, identities, and struggles of people from diverse backgrounds.

• Use of Light & Color: Though known for vivid color, McCurry masterfully uses light and shadow to add intimacy and mood, enhancing emotional impact.

• Candid Moments: Many of his most compelling portraits are spontaneous and genuine, aligning with your goal of capturing authentic human emotion.

Inspiration for Your Work:

Studying McCurry can guide how you approach facial expression, eye contact, and background context to deepen emotional storytelling in your portraits. His work shows how even a single expression can speak volumes about someone’s inner world and life journey.

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Works Cited: