OBJECTIVES
- Enhance Technical Skills:
- Learn & apply various photography techniques.
- Experiment w/different lighting conditions, angles, & compositions.
- Creative Exploration:
- Daily prompts & challenges.
- Explore diverse themes & concepts to expand artistic horizons.
- Build Confidence:
- Develop confidence in capturing self-portraits.
- Embrace imperfections & celebrate authenticity.
- Cultivate Consistency:
- Establish a daily photography routine.
- Build discipline & commitment to the creative process.
- Self-Reflection:
- Reflect on your emotions, experiences, & discoveries.
- Facilitate a deeper connection w/ your own narrative.
- Expand Portfolio:
- Build a diverse portfolio of self-portraits.
- Explore different genres & styles within self-portraiture.
- Connect with Emotions:
- Use photography as a means of expressing & understanding emotions.
- Experiment w/conveying different moods & sentiments.
- Develop Storytelling Skills:
- Learn how to tell a story through visual elements.
- Connect self-portraits to personal narratives & experiences.
- Authenticity:
- Build your sense of authenticity.
- Capture genuine moments and expressions.
- Sense of Achievement:
- Celebrate milestones & achievements throughout the 30-day journey.
- Tag me on Instagram and I’ll showcase your work!
- Prepare for Client Interaction:
- Gain insights into techniques that can be applied in professional photography.
- Develop skills that can be transferred to capture authentic moments for clients.
- Community Building:
- Gain a sense of community among other participants.
- Share/offer feedback to create a supportive network.
Your Educator
Shannon is a seasoned self-portrait artist and educator with over a decade of experience in photography. She is passionate about using self-portraiture as a tool for self-discovery and artistic expression. Shannon's work is celebrated for its emotional depth and technical precision, capturing the essence of individuality through the lens. Committed to mentoring others, she empowers her students to explore their identities and tell their stories through the transformative art of self-portrait photography. Join Shannon on this journey to unlock your creative potential and embrace your unique self.
MATERIALS NEEDED
- Camera:
- A digital camera or smartphone with a camera function. Start with where you are/what you have.
- Tripod:
- To keep the camera steady during self-portrait sessions - even the cheaper ones on Amazon work just fine! Bookshelves, counters, chairs all work too! Start w/what you have.
- Remote Shutter Release:
- If using a DSLR or mirrorless camera, a remote shutter release can help you take photos without physically pressing the camera button. Research your camera functions & remote abilities OR use the self-timer function on your camera.
- Reflectors:
- Use reflectors to bounce and manipulate natural light for more flattering portraits. Natural reflectors such as white walls, light floors, sand, water, and sidewalks can work too, or cheap foam core boards at Walmart!!
- Props:
- Depending on the prompts, suggest using props that enhance the story or theme of the self-portrait.
- Editing Software:
- Photo editing software (e.g., Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, or mobile editing apps) to refine and enhance the images. I personally use Adobe Camera Raw (ACR) then bring into PS.
- Notebook/Journal:
- I encourage you to journal your thoughts, feelings, and reflections throughout the challenge.
- Lighting Equipment:
- If you want to explore advanced lighting techniques, you might need basic lighting equipment such as softboxes, reflectors, or external flashes. I personally only shoot with natural lighting.
- Online Sharing Platform:
- Share your work and progress on Instagram! Tag me @shannon_kathleenphotography & use the hashtag #skpselfportraitchallenge
- Printer:
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For those who prefer a physical workbook, print the workbook prompts and keep them in a dedicated space.