The assignment in Design was to creatively portray our main character from our short story. We had to use a three-point lighting technique and include various costumes and props that brought our character to life. We had to try to capture our character in action, particularly a significant point in our story.

Creating this character portrait was at times challenging as it was tricky to come up with an intriguing pose that would accurately capture my character. I had to play around with different props, lighting, emotions and poses until I finally found one that worked for me. When we first received the assignment, it didn't sound that difficult. When I actually started shooting, I ran into several technical difficulties which made for an interesting photo shoot. Luckily, at least one photo turned out well, which became my character portrait.

Artist Statement

My character’s name is Aspyn Grey, who is a teenage girl about to go to prom with all of her friends. Just as she’s wrapping up the process of getting ready, she receives a call from her friend who has just acquired two front row tickets to their favorite band’s concert that night...the same night as prom! Aspyn is put in a very fortunate yet difficult situation as she must choose which of the two she will attend.

To compose my photograph, I used a three-point lighting technique I learned in Design class. Reflecting on the majority of photographs I’ve seen, many have their subject off to the left hand side which utilizes the negative space on the right hand side. I decided to go against the norm and put my subject on the right hand side of the photograph, with the negative space on the left hand side. This modern composition also adequately portrays a deep contrast between the character’s cobalt blue dress and the black background, bringing her excitement to life.