This project highlighted how photography does not fully capture identity, it in a way constructs and limits it. Individual identity is one of the most complex aspects of our lives. Both of my photo books explored how viewers can interpret identity, and how identity cannot be shown through a single image.
At first I was a bit lost on how to show and work with Institutional Identity (our ID photos). ID photos reduce a person to a standardized image, a controlled version of who they appear to be on the outside. The main idea I was drawn to after thought about this is everyone is way more complex than what an ID card shows. Starting with a standard ID photo felt restrictive on showing any of my personality, my story, who I am as a person/ my identity. So, I decided to build off of the ID photo and as the book progresses I show more emotion and character. As I was photographing myself I started to think about who I was and seem to be according to different people. I decided to use typography and caption multiple images with the identity I am seen as. For example, my ID card, for a large university I am assigned a number, for my drivers license I am Obrecht, Helen Torrey, to some of my friends I am hells or helly, to my Dad I am Hellsers and have been since birth.
Some things I noticed even when trying to look as neutral as possible it is impossible to remove all individuality. It brought to my attention how small details like hair, or even if I’m wearing glasses or not, become important in constructing my identity. This then made me realize it is impossible to fully standardize anyones identity, even my school ID photo shows a face nobody else has, with details that only belong to me. At first I thought the ID photo hides identity but I now believe it actually compresses it rather than erases it fully.
The sequence aspect of this project was interesting as it made me more aware of not just the individual photos, but how they work together to show an idea. I edited the first few photos to be more dull, and as the book progresses I edited them to be more vibrant. I also paid attention to my expressions and character captured in the photos. My goal was to have myself shine through a tiny bit more on every page.
For my second photo book I explored identity without face or body. How people leave parts of themselves behind, and how their items convey their identity. In reflection I found this book harder than the first one. It was harder than expected to capture traces and objects that best show my identity mainly because I wasen’t sure what to choose. I ended up choosing a progression through my day, and tried to capture the small usually unnoticed details that an individual leaves behind.
The main thing I noticed was highlighted from working on this project was how much my environment and materialistic items I own reflect me more than I initially realized. Even the smallest details like what perfumes I wear, or the stuffies on my bed felt personal. I realized you don’t need to see a person to feel their presence. Removing my face from images made my book feel more open because it allows more curiosity from the viewer and more interpretation of who I am. I learned my identity can be communicated without direct representation, and traces of someone can feel more personal than portraits.
Both projects changed how I think about identity. Through my self portrait book of a series it became clear identity is restricted in a singular photo. Whereas the sequence book showed me how identity becomes expanded through fragments. Together they helped me understand that everyone is an individual that can’t be understood through a single ID photo.
I enjoyed the book binding process, as it was a way to bring digital photos and ideas into a real physical book for viewers to read and engage with. The process required patience and precision. I liked turning the photos into a real book because even to me who created the book, the books are so much different in real life vs through a screen. Turning the pages physically creates a controlled viewing experience thats more focused and interactive. It also was important to the entire process because it drew attention to how presentation is just as important as the images themselves. The physical format adds intentionality and depth that would not be the same as clicking through a digital photo book.
Here's a link to photos of my books!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1myuvF0qiYLF_CAIiXzl7gr7jERvJas_f/view?usp=sharing
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