A headshot is a tightly cropped photo of the face. The subject is camera aware — typically looking right in the lens. Years ago, headshots were reserved for actors and models. For talent, these images are in some ways more important than a resume.

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Juxtaposition photography is where 2-3 pictures are taken of objects/people that contrast or link together, which can be used to show peoples identities through their cultures or interests, this is seen within photography through the use of either contrasting/similar lighting, forced perspectives/cropping or the use of props.

Examples –

Experimenting

Here are the photos which I chose to use, I chose a selection so that I could experiment in many different ways and not be limited with what I could use.

2 Photos juxtaposed –

Final result –

3 Photos juxtaposed –

Final result –

what is identity

is different aspects that make a person who they are and what makes them different to everyone else for example religion, culture, objects, hobbies, job, personality or even an environment.

what influences someone’s identity

environment: can influence a persons mood or even personality most cultures exert influence on their surroundings such as land forms and climate.

belongings: personal possessions can help others to understand a persons identity for the elderly belongings could show aspects of their past identity.

upbringing: can influence a persons identity as the relationships children are raised around can shape their views on their own identity later on in life. The way family members relate to each other and operate together can shape a child’s ability to perceive themselves later on.

how can we show identity

identity can be shown through many different physical attributes such as clothing, jewellery and even facial characteristics.

You can get an insight into a persons status, culture and favourite pass times through what articles of clothing they have on and how they look when photos are taken if the subject isn’t comfortable in their clothes they could lose their perception of them selves due to it being un-natural to them.

jewellery can show identity due to a similar reason however jewellery can show signs of ageing it can also have cultural and family meaning it could be an air loom that’s been passed down through generations or a one of a kind piece in someone’s collection.

facial characteristics show a persons identity as it gives an insight to a persons heritage and how they emote facial expressions can show how they see their own identity.

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I enjoy the work of photographers who do not just use the images themselves to communicate their identity, instead taking the photos and editing them in some way to elevate their concept. For example Carolle Benitah is a French Moroccan photographer and artist who often weaves, writes or draws onto pictures, often from childhood. By doing this she can take the concepts of the original images and edit them to fulfil her own artistic vision.

Here Benitah uses gold foil to cover the faces and background of an old looking image of a large group of people. By covering their faces the viewer feels uneasy, unable to see the eyes or expressions of those shown and making them feel less human as there is nothing to emotionally connect to. The image is titled “Jamais Je Ne t’Oublierai” which translates from French to “I’ve loved you for a long time, I will never forget you.”. One could assume that the image is of a wedding and the couple in it are growing older, it could be interpreted that even as they are growing older and their memories of the exact details are lost, they will never stop loving each other.

Claude Cahun was a French Surrealist Photographer, Writer and Sculptor, also known by the name Lucy Schwob. Their work often explored their personal relationship with gender and sexuality, and they lived in Jersey with creative and romantic partner Suzanne Malherbe, who also went by the pseudonym Marcel Moore. Their work was incredibly ahead of it’s time and they did their best to push against societal norms, even after the island was occupied by Nazi forces.

Here Cahun really leans into the surrealist art they are most known for, fulfilling their intent of confusing and surprising the viewer with the images created. They are portraying a strongman while balancing masculine and feminine aspects of their presentation. The image is in black and white due to abilities of camera’s at the time, however it creates mystery as there are parts of the image the viewer will never get to see, creating a further sense of mystery and confusion.

the word ‘identity’ means the fact of being who or what a person or thing is. it is also been described ass, a person’s name and other facts about who they are. i would describe identity as everyones own individuality. characteristics of identity can include, race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, physical attributes, personality, political affiliations, religious beliefs, professional identities, and so on.

this image shows people expressing their own individuality as there identity through colourful clothing.

i was very interested in how Sam Contis explores identity in her own photography.

sam shows a lot of portraits that can show identity.