In my recent photographic work, I have developed a technique for rapidly reproducing the effects of age on silver gelatin photographs. In this next phase of research, I will examine the visual cues of 19th century portrait photography. I will study portrait typologies in general as well as representations of sex, class, locale (rural versus urban), and possibly race as they are represented in the portraits. I will examine portraits made for personal consumption and those made for identification purposes. I will then respond to those approaches and create a new body of photographic portrait work. In particular, I will examine and restage the styles of background, lighting approach and personal presentation of the sitters. I anticipate encountering many interesting conceptual and creative problems in this project.
Responding to Early Portrait Photography
Willamette University
Liberal Arts Research Collaborative
Address
900 State Street
Salem
Oregon
97301
U.S.A.
Phone
503-370-6737
Email