Process
As with the first self portrait, I wanted to art direct this photograph as well, having my partner Caleb Filburn take the photo. For this photo, it was taken in darkness with a harsh light bouncing off of a white piece of foam core. I wanted high contrast, with some of my features obscured.
I wanted to have a vulnerable photo, and again my hair is unstyled and I am not wearing makeup.
This photo was taken in a session the night before the photo used for Self Portrait 1, which was taken the following morning.
This was my second time using soft pastels. I used my fingers to blend the background softly to contrast with the rough, harsh marks for my face. I wanted the main color strategy to be as close to simultaneous contrast as I could get using the limited kit I borrowed from Kristen.
I intended this portrait to act as somewhat of a counterpoint to my first, which was softer and kinder to myself. I wanted this one to be unsettling, perhaps communicating insecurity or a disturbed emotional state. It is meant to be uncomfortable.
In the portrait, I decided to cover my shadowed face with my hair, perhaps signifying withdrawal.
Outcome
I believe this was an effective attempt to communicate my goals. I am happy with how this self portrait turned out, even though even I am uncomfortable with my portrait's gaze.