Introspective, Expressive Self Portraits in Photoshop

Questions
?What is a self portrait?
An image of yourself that you have created.
?How is a self portrait different than a selfie?
A selfie is disposable and taken with a smart phone. A self portrait is thought out and contains information about the artist that is more than their physical appearance and location. An artist invests TIME, thought and artistic planning into a self portrait.
?What more do you want to say about yourself in a self portrait?

Artist to Know
Frida Kahlo, Mexican painter (1907-1954)

Frida Kahlo was well known for her brutally honest self portrait paintings that provided information about her physical, emotional and psychological state.

Your Self Portrait Project
You will be merging a photo of yourself (that you have taken) with another photo or drawing of a plant, animal or material possession that you feel contributes to your definition of “self.” You will receive the highest amount of points if the second photo/drawing is also yours, but if you decide to use an image from the web you MUST:

1.  Site your source! This means you need to know the photographer’s name and include the URL of where you found the image. This information must be included in the rubric section provided.

2.  Only use the photo as 40% or less of your overall design.

3.  Not use this final design in any art shows or competitions.

4.  Use a good source. Find quality photography instead of clip art/Google image search results.

Technical Requirements
You must use the following tools/techniques in Photoshop:

-  Selection tools to cut out sections of your photo(s)

-  At least one Filter

-  Layer Blending

Steps to Take:

1.  Make a brainstorming “web” to explore a few categories of your life. Include lists and sketches.

2.  Create 3 thumbnail sketches that “merge” your face with some of those listed ideas.

3.  Take a series of self portrait photos – try different angles so you have some options to work with.

4.  Take any other photos or create any other drawings (of plants, animals, things) that you want to use in your design.

5.  Upload all images to your student space.

6.  Make sure you know how to do the following in Photoshop:

-use the Quick Selection tool

-merge several photos into one

-use the Burn and Dodge tool

-blend layers together

-Image>Adjustments

7. You will use all of your mad Photoshop skills to make your two (or more) photos into a cohesive design that
tells the viewer something about yourself.

Introspective, Expressive Self Portrait in Photoshop Rubric

Aspect Graded / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Self Portrait
Photograph / No self portrait / I used a picture of myself that was maybe not taken by me… / I took a picture of myself, yes / Self portrait looks good / Creative and interesting
self portrait taken
Photograph/Drawing
Of
Plant
Animal
Material Item / No second picture / Second picture is there, but it doesn’t “fit” or make sense as part of a self portrait.
I may have used more than 40% of a photo that isn’t mine or forgot to site it…:/ / Second picture is mine or not mine, but it might not quite “fit” with the self portrait photograph.
I may have used more than 40% a photo that isn’t mine….
It could add more meaning to overall design. / Second picture is creative an interesting, but maybe taken from the web. Don’t worry, I sited it and only used it as 40% of my design.
It adds meaning to my overall design. / Second picture is very creative and is my own creation.
It “fits” well with my self portrait and adds meaning to the overall design.
Craftsmanship
Use of Tools / Super sloppy use of PS tools / I included one of the following:
-Layer Blending
-Filter
-clean cut out areas / I included 2 of the following:
-Layer Blending
-Filter
-clean cut out areas / I included Layer Blending, a Filter, and the cut out parts of my photos look good. The photos “fit” together pretty well. / I included Layer Blending, a Filter, and have well cut out parts of my photos. The photos “fit” together cohesively.
Challenge and Creativity / I forgot to try… / I should have spent more time and brainpower on this design. / I spent an adequate amount of time and effort on this project – it looks good. / I am happy with how this turned out—it is unique and interesting! / I spent a lot of brainpower and time in Photoshop making this design. It looks super creative and unique!


Filters Used (name and describe the type of filter used and where you used it on your design): ______

Why did you choose these images to accompany the image of yourself and what do they say about you?
______

SITE YOUR SOURCES BELOW

Photograph Title/Description: ______
Photographer: ______
Website URL where photo can be found: ______