With MEGHAN DAVIDSON
Self-portraiture has been a popular form of expression since time immemorial. Well beyond today’s “selfie,” self-portraits are more than a quick snap of us. Self-portraits allow us to be in charge of all aspects of how we are seen, what we want to convey, the story of self we are creating in each moment.
This class will explore self-portraiture by first delving into the body and soul. As photographers, most of us are more comfortable being behind the camera rather than in front of the lens. Given the vulnerability that self-portraiture can bring about, we will first spend some time getting grounded through a journaling/writing exercise. Next, we will practice some breathing and light stretching, working to get our minds and souls centered, and into a space of lovingkindness. From that space, we will use our cameras to capture self-portraits in a spirit of play and fun.
We will practice techniques to get the self-portraits you envision, including how to focus when you're not yet in the frame, and more!
You will learn to create a safe space for taking self-portraits and some techniques for photographing yourself.
Hands-on work will include focused attention on our bodies and souls, and self-expression through capturing self portraits.
Bring to class a notebook and pen (or laptop if you prefer), camera of your choosing with remote or self-timer, and a tripod (if you have one).
About Meghan Davidson
www.meghandavidson.com
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Dr. Meghan Davidson is a self-taught photographer who just completed a project creating a self-portrait using Polaroid film each and every day for a year. She is currently writing a memoir using these Polaroids as the framework for the book. Meghan is a lover of Polaroid and film, as well as digital photography. She is also a regular contributor to the collective photography website and blog, ViewFinders (formerly Mortal Muses) and on her own blog Life Refocused.
Meghan's Polaroid self-portraiture has been exhibited at the IMPOSSIBLE Project NYC. Her work has been published in UPPERCASE, Digital Photo, Artful Blogging, and Mingle magazines, and included in the crowd-sourced book, This is Happening, published by Chronicle Books. Meghan has had four invited gallery shows in her current hometown of Lincoln, Nebraska, where she was awarded the Fan Favorite Award for the 2011 Lincoln PhotoFest.
Meghan is also a Ph.D. psychologist conducting research and teaching at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. She is also a licensed therapist and maintains a small private practice working with clients to help them with their goals and dreams.