Project 2: PEOPLE - initial thoughts

A concept has suddenly struck me. Leading on from the last post in reference to the scene in 'The Ring' film as well as today's lecture about a photographer and/or viewer's perception on portrayed imagery. I thought the play upon the relationship between how people view themselves and how they want to portray themselves is something I'm intrigued about. The image of what someone would see in the mirror is likely rendered towards the ideal image of themselves. This is often displayed through their behaviour in this particular setting - what they'd be doing, how they're holding themselves up, whether they're smiling, active or just stationary. This usually is different to how others would view them outside of this setting. Society and the media shape and mould our perception of who we are and who we're supposed to be in order for us to feel a sense of belonging - to fit in. This is an interesting concept I'd like to take further. Hard to portray I would think, but interesting nonetheless.

The fact that the subject matter is more or less powerless in each photographic situation, it gives the photographer the control of the image. The perception of the subject matter is now open to the public, the viewers. So will this alter the way the photographed person acts?