The document provides resources on selfies and self-portraits, including essays, exhibitions, and other writings on the topics. It defines selfies as photographs one takes of oneself using a smartphone or webcam and shares on social media. Self-portraits are defined as portraits of an artist produced by that artist. Readers are directed to browse the links to build knowledge before responding to a prompt about selfies and self-portraits in the "What now" section.

1. Online Discussion #6: The Passing of Time
2727 unread replies.2929 replies.
Please watch this video in its entirety. It is only about 13
minutes.
https://www.ted.com/talks/stephen_wilkes_the_passing_of_time
_caught_in_a_single_photo (Links to an external site.)
Your to dos for this discussion:
1. Now that you have had a bit of photography history, and
gained a bit of appreciation for the beauty you can find in
everyday images. I'd like you to take 3 photos of something
(landscape, building, people, animal, objects, anything) that
is outdoors.
·
· Take the 1st photo in the morning
· Take the 2nd photo (of the same image) in the afternoon
· Take the 3rd photo (of the same image) in the evening/night
Same image, same point of view, same angle, same composition
(meaning point your camera in the same direction/same
distance).
2. Briefly describe 3 new concepts/ideas you learned from this
video. The concept/idea can be about photography, art, science,
anything. There is no right or wrong answer. I just want to
know what are the top 3 things you learned. Number your
concepts/ideas 1 through 3. Please briefly describe what is it
you learned and why it is a new thing for you.
3. Embed the 3 photos in your post. What have you learned from
looking at the 3 photos you took? What have you learned
between the photos you took and looking at the photos in the
video.
1. Example：I observe how the beauty of nature invite us to
appreciate the bright of the day and night and we could join the
gorgeous vision with colors and multiples contrast an the same

2. moment mix with material objects at the same time such as
nature places, buildings and surround people or animals as a
part of the artwork.
2. I also observe ho in the second picture more intense sunlight
the in color and also could be observe as the peak of their
brightness and I remember how it was related to the video the
comparison of daytime in one of the first pictures of rocks and
the spectator could see the different of colors with one part less
brighter than the other in that place. Also is mention the time
guide us and believe is true for example depends of what we see
in the day we have an idea of the time it is.
3.-Also Impact to me part of the video when is mentioned how
animals understand better than humans that we have to share our
resources and they are agree to do it. Also something that I
don’t used to appreciate that I believe is a excellent reflex ion
that we are observing through the windows of the time is
everyday and every moment which allow me to compare the
admirable invaluable treasure in these pictures at famous places
such as Yosemite .
I like this outdoors pictures due that is something that now
helps me to appreciate more the windows time and also that this
could guide me to be more observant and encourage me to
analyze the infinity ways that I could appreciate more the art
pictures with these different colors ,in shadows, in day time
and specially in their unique appreciation of each moment.
Online Discussion #7: Documenting Social Issues
5858 unread replies.5858 replies.
Directions:
1. Read the directions in its entirety before you start your
discussion.
2. Read the articles on the Documenting Social Issues links
below.
3. Post your answer to my question below:
As you recently read in your Ang text, the Great Depression
gave birth to many great social documentary photographers.

3. War World II took propaganda photography to another level.
These two forms of photography (social documentary and
propaganda) have been and can be mixed in ways that
sometimes tell the difference is hard. Sometimes, the usage of a
photograph for propaganda purposes is beyond the
photographer's control. It is often done in the editorial room.
Give one example of a photograph (sample list below - yes, you
can use any of these samples) that helped change the course of
history.
1.
1. Embed the picture
2. Cite the photographer (if known)
3. Describe how the image you choose changed history
4. Was the change for better or worse?
5. Did the change happen because of the image or the way it
was used?
6. Explain in details.
7. Cite References
8. Come back later and post a response to at least 1 other
student’s answer. In these post(s) you will still need to cite
references to back up your opinions and statements.
1.
1. Remember to be NICE
2. It is ok to disagree just don't bully your classmates
3. Don't belittle or be mean to anyone’s ideas, answers, or
opinions
*** Online classes are different than face-to-face classes. An
ongoing dialogue is necessary. It is more than answering your
professor's questions. It’s a continuous discussion amongst
peers.
Resources: Documenting social issues links
· http://www.motherjones.com/media/2015/02/ken-light-
american-stories-photos-60s (Links to an external site.)
· http://www.berkeleyside.com/2015/02/19/exposing-a-
tumultuous-era-photographer-ken-light/ (Links to an external

4. site.)
· https://www.lensculture.com/articles/ken-light-what-s-going-
on (Links to an external site.)
· http://photowings.org/ken-light-continuing-the-photo-
documentary-tradition-in-the-21st-century/ (Links to an external
site.)
· http://www.ucreative.com/features/featured-photographer-
interview-social-documentary-photographer-ken-light/ (Links to
an external site.)
You are welcome to use any of the 14 photographs below or
ones you find through these ted-talk links, or more
contemporary ones you can find on your own.
Below are 14 photographs that help changed/shaped
world/American history. Click this link to see the photographs:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ngru20bwwomwzph/AADAVKmn
BgpVOXxj9z2gvTo4a?dl=0 (Links to an external site.)
1. Migrant Mother by Dorothea Lange, 1936
2. Murder of a Vietcong by Saigon Police Chief by Eddie
Adams, 1968
3. V-J Day, Times Square, 1945 a.k.a. The Kiss by Alfred
Eisentaedt, 1945
4. Kim Phuc in a napalm attack in South Vietnam by Nick Ut,
1972
5. Tiananmen Square protest by Jeff Widener, 1989
6. Specialist Lynndie England holding a leash attached to Gus
in The Abu Ghraib scandal, Uncredited Photographer (UP),
2004
7. Ali Shallal al-Qaisi being tortured in The Abu Ghraib
scandal, Uncredited Photographer (UP), 2004
8. Man on the moon (Buzz Aldrin) by Neil Armstrong, 1969
9. Afghan Girl by Steve McCurry, 1984
10. Nagasaki Mushroom Cloud by U.S. Army Air Force,
1945
11. The Hindenburg zeppelin catches fire, Uncredited
Photographer (UP), 1937
12. Bolivian government poses with the corpse of

5. revolutionary Che Guevara,
13. Earthrise, by William Anders, 1968
14. Ruby Bridges - Long Walk, Associated Press (AP)
Photo, 1960
Ted Talk Links that may help you:
·
http://www.ted.com/talks/jonathan_klein_photos_that_changed_
the_world (Links to an external site.)
·
http://www.ted.com/talks/sebastiao_salgado_the_silent_drama_
of_photography (Links to an external site.)
·
http://www.ted.com/talks/james_nachtwey_s_searing_pictures_o
f_war
Online Discussion #8: Photography and individual impact
4343 unread replies.4343 replies.
Please give an example of how the photographs/images you see
in public affect your decision making. This can be an
image/photograph you see in a TV commercial, social media, a
magazine advertisement, a billboard, an ad on a bus, an image
on the news, etc...
How do you know your decision making is influenced by
this(es) photograph(s)?
Please include a visual example. You may include your visual
example by attaching a link or embed an image here.
Online Discussion #9: Photography and social impact
3838 unread replies.3838 replies.
Name one style/technique/movement/phenomenon of
photography and briefly describe how it was/is affected by the
time period when it occurred; include a visual example, please.
You may include your visual example by attaching a link or
embed an image here.

6. Online Discussion #10: Image Manipulations
3434 unread replies.3636 replies.
Is it art or technology? Ethics or aesthetics? Interpretation or
lying? Image enhancement or cheating? When is image
manipulation appropriate? What is the limit? Who gets to
decide? What about using filters to post photos on social media
like Instagram? What about removing red eyes from photos? Is
it ok if it’s used for propaganda such as Ted Cruz’s “Rubio-
Obama Trade Pact” photo
(http://pth.izitru.com./2016_02_02.html) (Links to an external
site.)?
Directions for this discussion:
1. Please browse through the following links. Read through the
articles and look through the images. No need to memorize
anything. This is to build up your vocabulary both visual and
terminology.
·
· http://www.arogundade.com/oj-simpson-murder-trial-case-
time-and-newsweek-magazine-cover-controversy-1994-oj-
simpson-photo-manipulation.html (Links to an external site.)
· http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/10/living/fine-art-photography-
manipulation/ (Links to an external site.)
·
http://www.astropix.com/HTML/J_DIGIT/ETHICS.HTM (Links
to an external site.)
· http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/10-incredible-
photo (Links to an external site.)
· http://www.lightstalking.com/what-are-the-ethics-of-digital-
manipulation-in-photography/ (Links to an external site.)
· http://www.fno.org/may97/digital.html (Links to an external
site.)
· http://news.coreyrich.com/2013/11/story-behind-the-image-
questioning-the-ethics-of-photo-manipulation-in-digital-
photography-today/ (Links to an external site.)
· http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/growing-concern-

7. that-news-photos-are-being-excessively-manipulated-a-
898509.html (Links to an external site.)
· http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2009/06/40-examples-of-
incredible-photo-manipulation/ (Links to an external site.)
· http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/02/17/world-press-photo-
manipulation-ethics-of-digital-photojournalism/?_r=0 (Links to
an external site.)
· http://www.americanphotomag.com/processing-news-
retouching-photojournalism (Links to an external site.)
· http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/17/faking-it-
manipulated-pho_n_1797697.html (Links to an external site.)
· http://digitalsynopsis.com/inspiration/impossible-photoshop-
digital-art-martin-de-pasquale/ (Links to an external site.)
· http://digiday.com/brands/truth-in-advertising/ (Links to an
external site.)
· http://webneel.com/25-advertisement-photo-manipulation-
works-christophe-gilbert (Links to an external site.)
2. Now go to this link, http://pth.izitru.com (Links to an
external site.). It is sorted (look at the center top) by year and
subject. It doesn’t matter which you choose. Just click through
these so you get a sense of the images. Read the descriptions
too. They are helpful.
1.
· Choose an image.
· Embed the image on this post.
· Discuss your thoughts on the photographer’s use of image
manipulation. Take a stance. Back up your viewpoint.
· Reference articles from the links provided in number 1 above
or from an article you found on your own. You may also
reference your text (remember to cite page number).

8. Online Discussion #1: Selfies and Self-Portraits
4646 unread replies.4646 replies.
Selfies and Self Portraits
The word “selfie” became official when the Oxford Dictionary
named it the word of the year for 2013. Below is the official
definition from the Oxford Dictionary:
NOUN (plural selfies) informal: A photograph (Links to an
external site.) that one has taken of oneself, typically one taken
with a smartphone (Links to an external site.) or webcam (Links
to an external site.) and shared via social media (Links to an
external site.): occasional (Links to an external site.) selfies
are acceptable (Links to an external site.), but posting a new
picture of yourself every day isn’t necessary
Origin: Early 21st century: from self (Links to an external
site.) + -ie (Links to an external site.).
The Oxford Dictionary defines “Self Portrait” as such:
NOUN: A portrait (Links to an external site.) of an artist
produced or created by that artist.
There are many types of self-portraits. Some are realistic
representation of the artist herself/himself. Others are created in
ways to make a statement. And of course, there are many self-
portraits that try to convey a mental or psychological
reflection. Self-portrait has been around for a long time. We
have always view them as “art” regardless of the medium. That
is until Photography comes around. If you recall, from your
textbook, there was a time when mainstream society wonder if
photography should be considered “art”. We currently find
ourselves at a similar juncture with the rise of mobile phone. So
here is my first prompt.
Before you start on the discussion, please browse through the

9. following links. No need to memorize anything, just read for
knowledge sake. Once you are done with these links, go to the
bottom of this page and follow the directions in the "What now"
section.
If you don’t understand the questions, ask me or a friend. If you
don’t understand a particular term, look it up. Ask questions
before you submit your response.
Essays on Selfies and Self-Portraits
· http://www.dw.com/en/the-ego-as-a-work-of-art-from-self-
portraits-to-selfies/a-18843991 (Links to an external site.)
· http://www.mauritshuis.nl/en/discover/exhibitions/dutch-self-
portraits-selfies-of-the-golden-age/ (Links to an external site.)
· http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2013/oct/22/beyond-the-
selfie-step-away-from-the-smartphone-this-is-what-artists-are-
for (Links to an external site.)
· https://lareviewofbooks.org/essay/the-philosophy-of-ai-
weiwei-from-andy-warhol-and-back-again (Links to an external
site.)
· https://www.diyphotography.net/6-12-year-self-portrait-
project-documents-the-photographers-life-living-a-with-mental-
illness/ (Links to an external site.)
Exhibitions relating to selfies
· http://thecreatorsproject.vice.com/blog/best-of-2015-this-year-
in-art-selfies (Links to an external site.)
· http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/15/arts/international/old-
master-selfies-from-the-peak-of-dutch-
painting.html?_r=1 (Links to an external site.)
· https://news.artnet.com/art-world/russias-lenin-selfie-trend-
323547 (Links to an external site.)
· http://thecreatorsproject.vice.com/blog/andrea-mary-
marshalls-feminist-pirelli-calendar-is-full-of-her-own-
nudes (Links to an external site.)
· http://thecreatorsproject.vice.com/blog/theres-an-entire-
museum-for-artselfies-in-the-philippines (Links to an external

10. site.)
· https://news.artnet.com/art-world/pulse-scope-fairs-slam-
selfie-culture-hello-kitties-neon-signs-376154 (Links to an
external site.)
· http://thecreatorsproject.vice.com/blog/see-every-selfie-on-
instagram-in-one-interactive-installation (Links to an external
site.)
Other writings, competitions, exhibitions, and events relating to
selfies and self-portraits
· http://selfiecity.net/# (Links to an external site.)
· http://dish.andrewsullivan.com/2014/10/04/art-in-the-age-of-
instagram/ (Links to an external site.)
· http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-06-17/richard-
prince-instagram-and-authorship-in-a-digital-world (Links to an
external site.)
· https://news.artnet.com/art-world/ways-of-seeing-instagram-
37635 (Links to an external site.)
· http://andapanciuk.com/the-selfie-vs-the-self-portrait/ (Links
to an external site.)
·
http://blogs.academyart.edu/newspaper/2015/04/selfie_vs_self-
port.html (Links to an external site.)
· http://proof.nationalgeographic.com/2014/06/09/the-un-selfie-
taking-back-the-self-portrait/ (Links to an external site.)
· http://yourshot.nationalgeographic.com/stories/self-
portrait/ (Links to an external site.)
· http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2015/jan/02/getty-
museum-in-focus-exhibition-birth-middle-class (Links to an
external site.)
· http://blogs.getty.edu/iris/whats-the-difference-between-a-
selfie-and-a-self-portrait/ (Links to an external site.)
· http://www.pdnonline.com/photoserve/The-Age-of-Narcissis-
7516.shtml (Links to an external site.)
What now?

11. 1. Read the teacher's My prompt (below)
2. Click reply to post your response
3. Begin your response by retyping or paste the previous
person's prompt. Then type your response to that prompt.
Whatever your answer is/are, cite references (from textbook,
articles that you browsed through the links, other articles/books
you read, etc).
4. Finally, add your "My Prompt" so the next person can
continue the dialogue.
The first student to respond to the teacher’s prompt will end
his/her response with a “MY PROMPT”. The student will post
a question related to the discussion within this MY PROMPT.
The next person that goes online will now answer the previous
student’s prompt (you no longer answer the teacher’s prompt).
This is how we continue and grow our dialogue. Try not to veer
off topic. Always begin your post by quoting the previous
person's prompt.
Teacher's "My Prompt":
The discourse on whether a selfie is the same as a self-portrait
has been raging for several years. Why do you think there is
even a discourse? Is it because of the accessibility? Meaning
anyone can pick up a mobile phone and snap a “self portrait”. Is
it because the artist (the person taking the selfie) may not have
been trained as an artist (in the traditional sense of art school)?
And if you answer yes to the above 2 questions, is your
perspective elitist? And if so, did you establish that perspective
intuitively or is your perception tainted by social norms?
Online Discussion #2: Taking the self-portrait one step further
3939 unread replies.4444 replies.
Now that you have debated at length about the differences and

12. similarities between selfies and self-portraits. I am sure you
have noticed the line is quite blur depending on your
perspective.
For this discussion, I'd like you to watch the following 2
TedTalk videos. Then I'd like you to post your thoughts on the
video(s) as it/they relate to the topic of self-portrait. For this
discussion, Every student will answer the teacher's "My
prompts". There is no need to post your own prompt.
· https://ideas.ted.com/the-singular-art-of-the-self-
portrait/ (Links to an external site.)
· https://www.ted.com/talks/liu_bolin_the_invisible_man (Links
to an external site.)
Teacher's "my prompts": Why are these considered self-portraits
instead of selfies? How much does the physical preparation and
conceptual (idea) planning play a role in the audience's (you)
perception of these images? Does the label (self-portrait or
selfies) effect our perception of these images? Does the label
elevate these into "art"? Who decides what label to give these
images?
Don't give me yes or no answers. Tell us why you think a
certain way and how did you come up with the answer(s) and
reference your source(s).
Online Discussion #3: Ways of Seeing_Design in everyday

13. objects and routines
8181 unread replies.8585 replies.
https://www.ted.com/talks/rob_forbes_on_ways_of_seeing (Link
s to an external site.)
This discussion is part of our lesson in learning how to see and
how to recognize design in daily objects and images. Some of
you are art, photography, or design majors, so this might be a
very easy assignment. For those who are not, do not panic. As
long as you participate and try, you will not go wrong. You will
probably need a couple of days before you can post anything.
This is the process:
1. Please watch this video. Be patient. It may be boring at first
but watch carefully.
2. Pay attention to the images you see every day. It can be
something in your kitchen, on the way to work, in your closet,
in the grocery store, etc…
3. Think about the video you saw, now take a picture (your cell
phone is fine) of an image you see every day that you think can
be a “design” – based on your understanding of the video you
saw. I know, you may not know much about design or
photography yet since class just started and you probably have
never had an art/photo class before.
4. Post (embed) your photo on this discussion page.
5. Briefly discuss how the video you saw influenced your choice
of image. Try to connect your photograph to design and
photography. Go back to the video if needed. The easiest way is
to write a bit about what you learned from the video. Then
describe how the things you learned effected your choice of
subject (that you photographed). In your description of your
photograph, think in terms of visual elements (see list below).
Try using the vocabulary from the visual element list.
·
· Visual Elements in art/photography:
· Line: What kind of lines are in the photograph? Curvy,
straight, thin, thick? One single line? Multiple lines? Are the
lines creating some kind of directions or movements? Is a

14. natural line formed by the object itself (like an electrical line)
or is it a group of objects that formed a line (like a bunch of
cones lined up to form a line)?
· Shape: Are the shapes geometric or organic? One shape or
many? Do they form a pattern?
· Space: Does the photograph seem to show depth? Shallow?
What made this (like large cones in front and gets smaller as
they move into the back – this creates depth)? Is there a spatial
illusion? What about the negative/background space?
· Texture: Does the image/object feel rough? Smooth? Does it
look wet? Shiny? If you could touch the surface what do you
think it would feel like?
· Value: How dark is the darkest value? The lightest? Is there a
long range of grays? Does the foreground or main object have
the lightest or darkest value?
6. After you post yours, choose a classmate’s posting and
comment on their post. Be kind and constructive in your
comments.Online Discussion #4: Campaign Photography
4141 unread replies.4141 replies.
Professor's notes:
Campaign photography has been around since the 1960s. The
photographs presented to the public play a role (directly or
indirectly) in the voter’s ultimate decision at the poll. The
photographer or photojournalist’s role is to document the
candidates’ messages as well as the candidates as individuals.
Both still and video photography are used in political TV and
print ads. Traditionally TV and print political ads are highly
valued in battle states and can close margins between
candidates. This does not seem to be the case in the 2016
presidential election.
Below are a few links related to this topic. Please browse and
get a feel for the subject before you respond to my prompts.
Please feel free to look up additional articles that relate to your
perspective. Please post those link(s) within your response so
the rest of us may check them out.
· http://www.businessinsider.com/presidential-election-

15. photography-over-the-years-2016-9/#when-it-came-to-curating-
images-for-this-show-carlson-and-the-team-cast-a-wide-net-
2 (Links to an external site.)
· http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/2016-campaign-
photographers-lens/ (Links to an external site.)
· http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/02/17/presidental-
elections-2016-new-york-times-photographers/?_r=0 (Links to
an external site.)
·
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/us/elections/president
ial-campaign-in-pictures.html (Links to an external site.)
· http://www.ap.org/Content/Press-Release/2016/100-years-of-
presidential-campaign-photography (Links to an external site.)
· https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/do-campaigns-
really-change-voters-
minds/2012/07/06/gJQAEljyRW_story.html?utm_term=.94a406b
b9f2f (Links to an external site.)
·
http://www.npr.org/sections/itsallpolitics/2015/08/19/43275931
1/2016-campaign-tv-ad-spending (Links to an external site.)
· http://www.adweek.com/socialtimes/heres-how-social-media-
will-impact-the-2016-presidential-election/634434 (Links to an
external site.)
Please post your response to my 2 prompts below follow by
your own “My Prompt”. As with the previous online
discussion, the first student to jump on this discussion will post
response(s) to the teacher’s "My Prompts. Each of you will post
a response to the previous student’s “My Prompt”.
(Links to an external site.)
My Prompts:
I’d like you to take the concept of Campaign Photography one
step further and consider social media in the mix. Consider the
following prompts:
1. Did social media trump (pardon the pun) the place of
traditional TV and print advertising in the 2016 election

16. campaign?
2. Would social media still produce the same result/effect if
there are no visual images attached?
Online Discussion #5: Finding beauty and interest around you.
4141 unread replies.4141 replies.
In this discussion, we continue our quest to find beauty in the
most mundane objects and places. For most people, picking a
subject to photograph is difficult unless your teacher gives you
a specific theme or image. This discussion aims to help you
understand how artists/photographers choose their subject. It
also aims to help you SEE beauty in everyday things, ordinary
activities, or people. For this discussion, here is the process:
1. Watch all 4 videos below.
2. Choose one that made the most impact for you.
3. Discuss and explain the impact and why you are drawn to the
subject/photographs.
4. If you have an opportunity to produce a series as such, what
subject would you document and why?
Documenting unusual human lives.
https://www.ted.com/talks/ryan_lobo_through_the_lens_of_com
passion?referrer=playlist-close_up_and_personal (Links to an
external site.)
Documenting nomad lives.
https://www.ted.com/talks/kitra_cahana_stories_of_the_homeles
s_and_hidden?referrer=playlist-close_up_and_personal (Links
to an external site.)
Documenting everyday objects from mass graves in Bosnia.
These are used to identify victims but they also become a visual
archive of people once lived.
https://www.ted.com/talks/ziyah_gafic_everyday_objects_tragic

17. _histories?referrer=playlist-history_visualized (Links to an
external site.)
Documenting microscopic details of objects.
https://www.ted.com/talks/gary_greenberg_the_beautiful_nano_
details_of_our_world