This project asked students to take pictures of 15 people, 2 photo’s each. In the first photo the subject might smile, as we often do in pictures. But for the second photo a picture was taken of a person not smiling. The comparison was astounding. It is truly amazing how a simple smile can totally transform a persons face. If you only looked a person without a smile on their face, your impression of them would be completely different. Depending on how a person looks it can make them seem dejected or even dangerous. But with a smile on their face the same exact person who made you weary only moments before can seem like a warm and welcoming person. This project was fairly easy and very enjoyable. It was funny to watch as middle aged women primped themselves for a few quick photos. Or to receive questioning looks because of my odd requests. Some of the students and teachers were reluctant to have the photos taken, but only a handful of people turned me down in the end. This project opened my eyes about the effects of implicit bias and how it effects photographers. As a photographer, the way something looks is very important. If someone looks shady or abnormal a photographer might not snap a shot. I think getting to know someone before taking certain photos can be very important. This is important because who they are as a person should be portrayed the picture. Looks can be very misleading so deciding about someone before getting to know them can lead to false portrails.
If you want to check out all my Smile photos, click on this link! https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/16xaWoQcAnLND3jKIgxASt0ifIio9cElxV242LuYzCyE/edit?usp=sharing