This is my final portrait photograph. It uses lighting and contrast in a simple but powerful way to communicate a deeper idea about the duality of our identities.

Only one side of the subject’s face and body is visible, while the rest fades into darkness. The light draws attention to the visible side, making it feel open and exposed, while the shadowed side feels hidden and mysterious. The exposed portion of the subject represents the side of identity that we reveal to others, while the hidden and faded part symbolizes the side of identity that we choose to conceal and hide from the world. This strong contrast between light and dark creates a dramatic effect and immediately sets a serious mood that allows the audience to reflect on their identities as well.

The darkness surrounding the subject adds to the intensity of the photo. Since the majority of the image is black and dark, the viewer is forced to focus on the small area that has light. This makes the photo feel emotional and personal. The shadows create tension and make the viewer wonder what is being hidden, which adds depth to the image.

The photo clearly meets my statement of intent, which was to show that there are parts of our identity we reveal and parts we keep hidden. The light represents the side of ourselves that we show to the world, our public identity. The shadow represents the private parts of ourselves that we choose not to share. By showing both light and shadow on the same person, the photo suggests that everyone has a visible and a concealed side, and that both are important parts of who we are.

The use of black and white strengthens the message of duality. Without color, the contrast between light and shadow becomes much stronger and more noticeable. This highlights the idea of opposing identities of what is seen versus what is hidden. At the same time, the gradual transition between light and dark shows that identity is not completely split, but instead exists somewhere in between.

Overall, this photo is effective because it uses simple lighting and strong contrast to communicate a meaningful idea. The dramatic use of light and shadow, along with the black-and-white style, successfully represents the dual nature of identities and how we choose what parts of ourselves to show or conceal.