Self expression & celebrating each other’s stories with students

“What are your hobbies, interests, passions, fears, & hopes?”

“What do you love about yourself?”

“What is a part of your story others may not know?”

“What do others say you are great at?”

“What do you hope to add to the world?”

These are just a few of the self-reflective questions the 5th graders were asked to answer as a part of a recent Self Portrait Project. In partnership with a local elementary school we focused on lessons on visual storytelling and strong elements in image creation. We learned about consent and responsibility in the visual imagery we create (these are such important lessons in this digital imagery world). Then in partnership with their teachers we guide them through the process of brainstorming, creative writing, and deciding how they want to share their story through a self portrait. When someone shares parts of their story with you that is sacred and we talk about empathy and appreciating what others share as well.

Over the next few weeks we captured their images together using professional gear, tripod, remote, etc which is a huge highlight for the students. Next they learn basic editing skills to enhance their story and they write captions.

Seeing the students celebrate each others ideas and creativity is my favorite part of this project. They helped each other hone their ideas and joined in on their classmate’s images when needed.

The final results was shared during the end of the year awards assembly with parents and community members. Each student took their framed image home to remember this moment in their lives. We also presented a collage of all the images to the principal to be displayed in the school as their legacy of the class of 2019 now that these students are moving on to Jr High.

Seeing their unique ideas come to life is a joy to watch! Here are some of their self portraits from the last 2 years of this Self Portrait Project: