Inspired by the National Portrait Gallery’s Eye to Eye: Self-Portraits from 1900 to Today exhibit, this two-part workshop focuses on the art of self-portraiture through photography.

In the first session, art historian and photographer Patricia Howard leads a tour of exhibition self-portraits by artists who use photographic processes, including Imogene Cunningham, Edward Steichen, and Lucas Samaras. The focus in on examining the portraits for the artists’ historical context as well as their individual approaches to poses, lighting, angle, and specific photographic processes used.

During the second session, students have the opportunity to create their own self-portrait in a studio setting, with instructor guidance. Discussion focuses on effective approaches and methods, including lighting and angle, to achieve a successful self-portrait during class time. Self-portraits provide an opportunity for creativity and self-expression, and the photographer may seek a focus other than the face to visually express something significant in the self-portrait.

The first session meets at the National Portrait Gallery’s main entrance lobby, 8th and F Streets, NW. Students should bring a digital camera to the second meeting in the Ripley Center studio.

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit

2 sessions; 2 hours each