Storytelling Through Self Portraiture

A six week online workshop
November 12 - December 17
We meet weekly on Wednesdays from 11 am - 1 pm CST
Sessions will be recorded.

Photographers often feel ambivalent about self-portraiture—curious and fascinated but also wary. Posing in front of a camera and looking at yourself in an image afterward is often intimidating, if not frightening. After all, we can be our own worst critics.

Yet a range of famous photographers are renowned for their self-portraiture: Francesca Woodman, Cindy Sherman, Man Ray, and Trish Morrissey, to name a few. So, what is it that motivates photographers to pick up a camera and turn it towards themselves?

While drawing on her years-long experience in self-portraiture, Manuela Thames addresses that question and many others. What is the appeal of the genre and what distinguishes it from the popular selfie? What is the purpose of using yourself as your own model and what can be learned from it? Most importantly, how do you get started?

We begin with exercises that illuminate the technical aspects: equipment set-up, camera settings, focus, lighting, posing, props, location, and post-processing. In addition to guiding you through the steps for a successful self-portrait photo session, Manuela also shares inspirational strategies for generating concepts and ideas. Through photography assignments, writing assignments, discussions, personal feedback, and studying work by various self-portrait photographers, you will slowly move out of your comfort zone, and begin to experience the joy, fun, and fulfillment that accompany this unique creative endeavor.