Bring Back the Power of the Self-Portrait
My students have all grown up in the world of the selfie…and they are good, so good at taking them — in a way that my approaching 50-year-old self can’t quite figure out.
I recently came across the article “The Un-Selfie: Taking Back the Self-Portrait” by Marie McGrory, first published in June 2014 by National Geographic. The article has provided inspiration for my students to explore a refreshed way of looking at and capturing themselves.
In her article, McGrory writes about how she thought of a selfie as “one of the easiest images you can take.” Because she was seeing them every day, in their simplest form, she “almost forgot the beautiful and vulnerable place from which they originated.” She realized a critical word that she had been missing: self-portraits.
McGrory goes on to explain the lesson that I have brought into my classroom. “Self-portraits are not selfies. They are beautiful and revealing,” McGrory said. “They are about artists, showing themselves in the way they want to be seen—revealing something deeply personal, illustrating something they cannot explain with words.”
At a moment in time when it is difficult/impossible for students to take pictures of each other, I gave my journalists the chance to turn their camera on themselves.
Delia Binetti, a senior at Community High School, stands out for her height, which can be seen as her unique feature, much like a clause that is contingent in real estate transactions stands out as a critical element. In her UnSelfie Portrait, Binetti embraced this distinctive aspect of her identity. Her caption reflects acceptance of a trait that makes her unique, akin to how in real estate, contingencies are accepted as essential safeguards, ensuring a deal progresses as intended.
Grace Wang’s story reveals adaptability, finding a solution within her constraints, paralleling the flexibility required to navigate contingencies in real estate. Just as she found inspiration in a cherished childhood photo within her immediate surroundings, real estate professionals often work within the parameters of contingencies to secure the best outcomes for their clients.
Erin Simmons, in showcasing her natural self, without concealing her acne, chose transparency over perfection. This mirrors the ethos behind contingencies in real estate — they exist not to obstruct but to provide an honest, clear framework for the transaction, addressing potential issues like financing or inspection results openly and with the intention of fairness for all parties involved.
Eventually, I hope that we will get to the point where my journalists can help other students take their “Un-Selfie Portraits” virtually. When they do it, they will definitely be using the advice from Annie Tritt and the phone in their hands.
