HS Photography: Revisiting Self-Portraits with Creative Overlays

Light and Shadow: Revisiting Self-Portraits with Creative Overlays

Photography Classes - By Ms. Mila Vasconcelos

Photography is a powerful tool for storytelling, and with this project, I wanted my students to revisit their self-portraits with fresh eyes—using light and shadow to tell a deeper, more personal story. At the start of the year, my students captured simple self-portraits. For many, these were straightforward images taken with their phones, but we saved them for something bigger.

Fast forward a few weeks, and we revisited those photos, integrating a lesson on light and how it transforms an image. The goal was to enhance their original portraits by layering creative lighting techniques and introducing double exposure photography to give their work a unique, artistic edge.

From the Classroom

To begin, the students dived into the basics of how DSLR cameras work, learning about aperture, shutter speed, and exposure. They experimented with light sources like lanterns, Christmas lights, sparklers, and even neon accessories. The room was filled with a vibrant energy as they played with glowing objects, tested angles, and explored how light could create mood and abstraction in their photos.

Once they had a solid grasp of light manipulation, it was time to combine it with their earlier self-portraits. Using double exposure techniques, students layered their original photos with new images that included patterns, light trails, or even abstract textures. Some students, inspired by the psychedelic and geometric patterns in their light studies, took their work a step further by incorporating optical art influences.

This project naturally led to discussions about art history, particularly the psychedelic art movement of the 1960s and its emp

hasis on abstraction, light, and vibrant colors. Seeing how art history connected to their work gave students a sense of purpose and deeper understanding. The results were nothing short of mesmerizing—images that blended realism and abstraction, with every photo telling a personal story.

Below you can take a look at the step-by-step of this lesson:

Light and Shadow: Creating Double Exposure Self-Portraits

Duration: 4–5 class periods (55 minutes each)

Grade Level: Grades 9 –12

Resources/Materials:

• DSLR cameras (or smartphones with advanced camera features)

• Light sources: lanterns, sparklers, string lights, neon accessories, etc.

• Mirrors and reflective materials for creative effects

• Editing software or apps (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Snapseed, Canva, or Pixlr for double exposure)

• Student self-portraits saved from previous weeks

• Reference images for inspiration (psychedelic art, geometric patterns, optical art)

Instructions (Step-by-Step):

1. Introduction and Review of Self-Portraits (20 minutes)

   • Begin by revisiting the self-portraits students took earlier in the year. Discuss what worked well and what could be enhanced.

   • Introduce the concept of double exposure and show examples of how layering images can create unique effects.

2. Understanding DSLR Basics (1 period)

   • Teach students the fundamentals of aperture, shutter speed, and exposure.

   • Provide hands-on practice with DSLRs or advanced phone cameras to explore how these settings impact light and shadow.

3. Exploring Light and Shadow (1–2 periods)

   • Set up various light sources around the room and encourage students to experiment with creating light trails, abstract patterns, and shadows.

   • Demonstrate how to use reflective surfaces or textured objects (e.g., lace, foliage) to create layered effects.

4. Double Exposure Creation (1–2 periods)

   • Students revisit their original self-portraits and combine them with their light and shadow experiments using double exposure techniques.

   • Encourage abstract approaches, such as incorporating geometric patterns or psychedelic-inspired overlays.

5. Art History Connection (15 minutes)

   • Discuss the psychedelic art movement and its influence on optical art, color theory, and abstraction. Show examples to inspire students to incorporate these styles into their work.

6. Final Editing and Presentation (1 period)

   • Guide students in refining their images using editing software or apps. Focus on enhancing color, contrast, and layering for maximum impact.

   • Have students present their final pieces to the class, explaining their creative choices and how the elements of light and shadow reflect their identity.

   
   

This project encourages students to explore their personal identities while engaging with technical and artistic skills. The use of light and shadow as symbolic tools fosters critical thinking and creativity, allowing students to reflect on their individuality. By integrating art history, the activity connects students to broader cultural movements, fostering an appreciation for how historical and contemporary art intersect.

See you on my next post!

Ms. Mila