Capturing culture through the selfie cam

Robert Graham

This unit was written for use in a high school photography classroom. Although the use of photography is in the core of this unit, its principles and agenda can easily adapt to the language arts and other autobiographical mediums. Throughout this unit, students will be challenged to look at different parts of their culture. The unit discusses the idea of a cultural and how we as humans play into it. Students will embark on a long-term study of culture and self-reflection, culminating with an assembly of images in a photographic essay. The photo essay will display an aspect of culture, either a highlight, ideal, reality or other parts. Students will use selfie style photos to document themselves using and being a part of a culture. The unit highlights the work of historical, modern, and contemporary artist in the mediums of painting and photography. Through the practice of critical observation and critiques, students will fine-tune how their product is being received by the viewer. Overall the unit is designed to use the selfie and smartphone photography as a tool for reflecting on culture, pop culture, identity, and the use of all of it combined.