‘This series of images was part of my final piece for my level 4 photography diploma, which I have just completed! As I originally planned to shoot a lot of my FMP on 35mm film and was unable to because of the lockdown, I decided to shoot on polaroid. This is something I did not have much experience with beforehand, apart from just messing around with it, which turned out to be really rewarding as I am constantly finding new ways to challenge myself. I chose to use my Polaroid Originals Onestep+ camera because of the freedom you have to shoot with it. It meant that creating self portraits was more experimental with the use of Bluetooth connection, a self-timer, double exposure, light painting, noise triggers and being able to set off the shutter from an app on my phone.
My main focus for these images was on the hair, makeup, costume and to create a ‘character’ who doesn’t look like me. These aspects were largely inspired by female self portrait photographer, Cindy Sherman. For my project I researched into why some self portrait photographers feel that their body is a canvas, on which they can create characters and explore individuality; and why for others, it’s a commentary on society, with the work picking apart stereotypes and gender roles. This style of photography can also be a visual expression of inner emotions or a photographic diary for some. I wanted to delve into the WHY of self-expression and the reason that different artists choose to explore this genre.’
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