The Power of Reflection

Visuals

This photograph depicts a close-up reflection shown through a series of CDs.
This photograph depicts a reflection shown through a small body of water.
This photograph depicts a reflection shown through an oversized spoon.
This photograph depicts an intricate reflection shown through a three-panel series of mirrors.

Project Statement

This project represents my final AP art portfolio. Over the course of nine months, I curated this portfolio with thirteen carefully selected photographs. The theme that connects them stems from the idea of reflection, both in the literal and metaphorical sense. In terms of photography, appropriately using reflection can completely alter an image from something fairly straightforward to something abstract or otherwise more artistic. This was something that I aimed to achieve throughout my portfolio, as well as a deeper meaning that suggested the importance of self-reflection. Self-reflection gives us a chance to pause, untangle our observations and experiences, and figure out how we can use those to inform future mindsets and actions. I displayed this idea throughout my images by using a wide variety of reflective surfaces to capture different styles of reflection. Self-reflection can come in many forms and thus, I wanted to mimic this.

Reflection

Although I loved the outcome, this portfolio was a struggle for me. Because it took place over the course of my entire senior year, I often pushed it off and didn’t think about it until I absolutely had to. This didn’t impact the end result of my photographs but it definitely made me more stressed than it should’ve. As for the physical act of taking the photographs, it was also challenging and experimental. When thinking of reflection photography, using a mirror as a reflective surface is usually the initial thought. I found it really hard to get out of this mindset and find other objects or surfaces I could use instead. Once I did, however, getting the shots was really rewarding.