Resource for Self Portrait

WebDesignerDepot is a great source for tips on creating self portraits. I chose this site because it covers all of the details that should be considered when creating a portrait, some of which I tend to forget about otherwise. I plan to use this site in the same way I would use a book, going back to specific sections as I go through this process. The great thing about this site is that it covers the entire process, from planning the photo, to setting up the camera to the editing process. 

What is a self-portrait? I think a self-portrait is a piece in which the subject is the artist who created it.

What are the distinctive things that make me "me"? I think one of the most distinctive things that makes me, "me" is my role as a first generation Pakistani American in my family. My exposure to two completely different cultures has been both a struggle and a breath of fresh air throughout my life. I began exploring this topic in my work as an undergraduate at UB and I believe I will continue to do so for awhile.

How do I want people to see me? I want people to see me as a person who is constantly evolving and adapting. I have come to terms with the fact that if I do not accept this quality, I will never move forward in my life.

How can I express my many different sides? I can express my many different sides by having a sort of "code," a key that contains the different elements that define me as a person. Once this is established I can make statements about the different relationships between these elements.

How can I reinvent myself for various purposes or times in my life? I can reinvent myself for various purposes or times in my life by varying these different elements I mentioned above. Depending on the situation, certain traits I carry naturally recede or come forward. I don't think that anyone ever needs to really become a different person...In my opinion it's a matter of finding those traits within us that we maybe are not familiar with yet--they are still there--we only need a little practice to reach a certain level of comfort.

How am I changing from day to day or year to year? I am changing constantly, learning to use my experiences to better respond to the challenges I am faced with, whether it be short term or long term. I think that sometimes we think we feel like we need to be a "better" person. In my opinion, "bettering"  yourself is just a matter of paying closer attention to the experiences we have and learning from them.

Who do I want to become? I want to become someone who is more willing to approach things I am unfamiliar with. I tend to avoid these things--like math (ugh!)--because I'm not good at it. I guess you could say I'm afraid of things I don't understand. I hope to change this about myself, and I believe it will be a life-long process.