 |
| The Unseen Self Portrait |
When considering this project, I wanted to show a big part of my (recent) life, DEPRESSION. I've been suffering from Major Depressive Disorder (Stage 3). I experience crippling panic attacks, that come out of nowhere, with no rhyme or reason. The reflection within the mirror is what I am struggling to get back to (happiness). The person looking at the camera is what I am currently.
The camera was set to the Sports mode (WB: AUTO APERATURE: F3.5 SHUTTER SPEED: 1/50 ISO: 3200).This was taken mid-day, with natural light coming from a window to my right. Using the magnetic lasso, I inverted the selection around the frame, and set a warming filter, colorized in taupe (Fill: 90% Opacity: 80%). I enhanced the vibrance by +34 and saturation by +31. I believe this showed the difference between the disorder, and how I wish to be. I find the mood to be dreary - almost like storm clouds - a jaundice air.
I am in the corner of my sons room. It had the best lighting. I took a total of 12 shots before I got both portraits just right. I had this idea instantaneously, and was proud when I was able to achieve it. I believe the strongest part of the picture is the "depressed" face. I think the shading of the face truly emotes the theme. I believe there is a lot of noise in the external image. I wish it was sharper. Reflecting I truly wish I had made the image sharper, and that the reflective image looked more like a mirror - and less like a framed picture.
