INSIDE THE FRAME
Senior Thesis Project on Identity
Thesis Statement
Through advancing technology and increasing accessibility of photography
coupled with the surge of social media, people have the capability to translate
desired personal characteristics into creating and manipulating a social identity for themselves separate from their true identity.
Abstract
Within the past two decades, social media has experienced exponential growth that permeates society and influences ongoing relationships between photography and identity. Delving into social identities and their composition within the scope of my perspective provides exposure to a more multi-dimensional identity.
Individuals have a permeable and constantly evolving identity. By promoting self-reflection and analyzing the process to translate the characteristics they identify with, it creates a more intimate view of oneself and challenges self-perception. Through a series of personal interviews about what identity consists of, I built a profile per person and compiled the information received. Displaying differences between social media and personal identities provokes recognition of online personas and how it affects people and the social culture around them. Utilizing meaningful portrait photography juxtaposed with social media gives light to photography’s capabilities and impact on building identity.
Process
01
The Individuals
Each person I reached out to was selected based on their basic profile to balance some of the diversity and produce a wider range of results. Half of the pool of people I contacted made it through the interview and subsequent photoshoot afterwards.
Bridget Agyare
Andrew Andrade
Ali Burney
Allison Chen
Katherine Chen
John Creger
Bryan Devicente
Ralion Herzog
Sharon Hoang
Sebastian Honigs
Shreya Joshi
Diane Lee
Tyler Mozetti-Cox
Bryant Pelaez
Melissa Pelaez
Ju’Wan Seaberry
Randall Sexton
Mylles Sipat
Stephen Ti
Danielle Tulabing
02
Interviews
Refining the interview questions was one of the most crucial parts of the process. Since this project surrounds portraiture, the outcome is dictated by the selected people and their answers.
04
03
Photoshoots
At least one day between the interview and the photoshoot was allotted to allow time to brainstorm and pitch the concept for the photoshoot. Photoshoots were scheduled simultaneously to maximize time. All 20 were conducted over a period of one month.
Visual Translation
Based on the information I gathered from the interviews, I decided to develop profile
booklets to supplement the comparison of social media images to portraiture.
Every booklet is completely customized for the individual within and how their personality translates into visuals. All details from color and space to graphics and typography embody characteristics of the person as I know them.
Booklets are broken down into a teaser cover and 3 spreads to tell a story.
Covers
The cover of each booklet within is composed of 5 colors defined by the key below. The size of each shape corresponds to how much of the color’s meaning is found within the person. Every individual also has their own color(s) that associates with their personality.
Social Identity
The individual’s social identity through a social media post and its accuracy to their true self provide an introduction to the person. It is accompanied by a color palette of their personality.
Developing Insight
A moodboard then unfolds utilizing graphics from their spirit animal to delve deeper. A brief profile and bio explain more about the person.
Full Picture
At the end lies the portraits to capture a broader picture of the person as I know them. Descriptive words supplement the picture for characteristics that add more dimensionality. I included the date that the portrait was taken to signify a frozen moment in the individuals' personality inside the frame.
The Box
The photography portfolio archival black proof box sets the tone of the project and teases just enough to create intrigue for what is inside. It was important to contain the booklets within a sturdy package to preserve the condition of the booklets and relate to photography as a fine art.
Inside the cover is an intro panel overview that explains the elements within.
The box is broken down into 5 layers of booklets organized in removable frames.
The Booklets
Uncovering each individual builds a fuller picture of who they are juxtaposed with who I am. The bottom layer is my booklet to bring the perspective full circle.
Click to explore the booklets below.
Layer 1
Layer 2
Layer 3
Layer 4
Layer 5
