Caroline

For the character portrait, we learned how to employ three-point lighting techniques in portraiture, and then devised portraits of our characters from the flash fiction using props, lighting, and body language to convey a theme and atmosphere appropriate to the story.

Artist Statement

This portrait is of a character from a short story I wrote in English class. The picture was created using the technique of three-point lighting, and then edited in Photoshop. The project emphasized learning how to use lighting and props for a portrait.

She is Caroline, a ten year old girl, and at this point in the story she is cutting her hair. She’s not happy to do so, but feels like she has to in order to be recognized for her intelligence instead. I tried to convey this through body language, by showing her hunched over and with a solemn, yet decided expression. I showed her attachment to her intelligence by having books on her lap. The small chair, simple clothing, and headband were all representative of her young age.

This assignment made me realize how difficult it is to tell a story through a single image alone. I think I definitely have a better idea of how to do so now, but I will certainly need much more practice even to be proficient at it.