Photo1Q4.32: Me Mask

Studio 1

Studio 2

Compared to other projects, I felt that I took this one not as seriously, which is reflected in the quality of the mask. It's alright, but it's not "amazing". In comparison to other group assignments, I feel that it was a nice freshener from always working with the same group of us boys in class all the time (but we ended up doing it anyway when photographing each other).

I feel that the silhouettes project was most effective in preparing me for this self portrait project because of the thought that you must put into the set-up, through the mask, pose, clothing, etc. With this project, I truly needed to convey what I wanted to convey through how my mask was designed, and how I posed.

Studio 3

Reflecting on this project, my design was influenced by some photos I found on Pinterest, as well as some fashion magazines that were on the more radical side. I originally wanted to use netting as the main material, but it proved way too difficult to manipulate. Venturing more into my inspo, I found that foil was a perfect reflection of who I am and was an easily replicable material to incorporate. I like to be a reflection of other individuals, taking the best aspects of them and incorporating them into my style and mentality. For example, I like Kobe Bryant's "mamba mentality", but I also like one of my friend's style of photography. Two entirely different professions, but nonetheless incorporated into my lifestyle. Foil is reflective, taking in light and reflecting it back; a perfect metaphor to what I want to convey. The mask itself wasn't how I wanted it to turn out, but it gave the same message; half of myself is my true individual self, and the other half is a reflection of other individuals.

BTS

When making the mask, I used an Aeropostale bag cut out, a hole puncher, foil, an X-ACTO knife, and elastic band. The process was very simple; cut out the mask, attach elastic, glue foil, and I'm done.

Location 1

Location 2

As for the background, I chose to use the wall with all of the holes outside F302 for the location shots because I found that the metaphor for them was particularly interesting. They are a filter to the light, much like how the mask is a filter to my face, and even moreso how my inspirations are a filter to me. I chose black for the studio shots mainly because they seemed to match the mask better. Honestly, either color worked (as shown through my studio shot where I hold up the mask).

I feel that this project would've been less comfortable if it were just a self portrait project because the mask is a nice filter. The focus of the image is mainly put on the mask, and that relieves some tension on facial expressions. It still provides a challenge through all other aspects of the photo, however, which is good. I feel that this mask did convey parts of my identity decently, though I would've liked to make it far more diverse. Perhaps using a real plastic mask as a template, maybe adding something interesting to it (like a floral pattern), etc. would have turned this project around.