How often do you feel the urge to capture the essence of your inner world through the lens? Our mind is full of unexplored introspections and fascinating vignettes. How do we turn the camera on ourselves to reveal inner truths, lingering thoughts, or even aspirational scenarios?
Embark on a unique self-portraiture workshop
with Photographer, Writer, and Educator Zahra Amiruddin where the
camera becomes a vehicle for storytelling. From learning global perspectives
through photobooks to making portraits outdoors followed by a review session
and group discussion on the captured images, the workshop will guide you in
turning your camera into a tool for self-discovery.
Whether you seek to visualize your internal
landscape or craft imaginative narratives, join us to learn the art of
self-portraiture that goes beyond just taking pictures. Beginners are warmly
invited to join in!
Highlights:
1. Learn about global approaches to self-portraiture through engaging with photobooks from the JOJO Library & Bookshop.
2. Understand how self-portraiture serves as a tool for deep reflection.
3. Move beyond typical documentary styles; learn photography styles that infuse your personal story into each shot.
4. Uncover your unique style of expression, making your self-portraits stand out.
Zahra Amiruddin is an independent writer, photographer, and educator specializing in visual practices and contemporary art. Her interests include ethnographic studies, astronomy, personal narratives and family histories. Her work has been featured in national and international publications, and in solo and group exhibitions in India, Greece, South Korea and Indonesia. In 2021 her work was published as supporting text in Between Doors, a photo book about North Korea. She is currently developing a collaborative project with Eight Thirty, a women’s photography collective that works across different locations in India.
Read moreBrief History of Portrait Photography
The theme of portraiture was initially depicted
through paintings. In the late 1800s, the tradition of self-portraiture emerged
in the field of photography. Robert Cornelius, a self-proclaimed
'mathematician,' captured the very first example of a self-portrait photograph
in 1839 using the camera obscura in his family’s store in Philadelphia. Louis
Daguerre, a French painter, invented the Daguerreotype in the late 1830s. The
daguerreotype was the first commercially successful photographic process and
also the first permanent photograph, leading to an increase in the trend of
portrait photography. The journey of portraiture gained momentum with the Kodak
camera, and it continues to play a significant role in the 21st century in the
digital world of selfies. Vivian Maier, Deana Lawson, Andy Warhol, Jun Ahn,
Robert Mapplethorpe, Liu Bolin, Francesca Woodman, Carrie Mae Weems, and Trish
Morrissey are some famous self-portrait photographers.
Self-Portraits - An Experimental and Creative Medium for Photographers
The practice of self-portraiture has proven to be
an invaluable journey for photographers, fostering substantial growth and skill
refinement. Beyond offering a platform for capturing individual perspectives,
engaging in self-portraiture serves as a dynamic challenge, pushing
photographers to elevate both their technical prowess and creative acumen.
One of the therapeutic aspects inherent in
self-portraits lies in their capacity for introspection and self-expression.
Through the lens of a camera, photographers delve into their emotions,
identities, and lived experiences, forging a profound connection with both
themselves and their subjects. This exploration often results in a heightened
understanding of one's inner self, enriching the narrative woven into their
photographic work.
However, self-portraiture presents its own unique
set of challenges. Despite these challenges, it offers photographers the
advantage of encouraging bold experimentation and risk-taking in the realms of
editing and creative expression. With absolute control over the production
process, photographers can manipulate images, explore novel techniques, and
push boundaries without external constraints.
Photobooks -Tangible Representation of Photos
Photobooks have emerged as a new field of study and artistic expression in the realm of photography. Photobooks provide a platform for photographers to showcase their work and tell visual stories. The key element of a photobook is the presence of a visual narrative that originates from a specific intention and unfolds within the pages of the book. While text may or may not accompany the photographs, it is the visual storytelling that takes center stage. Photobooks serve as a source of visual inspiration, reflecting not only the photographer's technical skills but also their unique perspective and personality. Through carefully curated images, these books offer viewers an opportunity to understand and visualize the world around them through another person's lens. In today's age of digital dominance, where images are often consumed fleetingly on screens, photobooks provide a tangible representation of captured emotions. Holding a physical book allows individuals to engage with photography on a deeper level, fostering a connection between the viewer and the image that goes beyond fleeting digital encounters
