This project visually represents a sociological theory developed by Charles Horton Cooley called The Looking Glass Self. This theory describes how self-perception is formed and ultimately shaped based on how we believe others view us. Cooley described this self-reflection as a “mirror” or “looking glass,” since we often use social interactions as a mirror to gauge how our actions are judged. This helps us gain a better understanding of our worth, values, and behavior. In my research on this theory, I found Cooley’s explanation of self-perception to be somewhat shallow, but ultimately accurate.
I decided to explore this theory through photography, but with emphasis on the idea that we should not allow the actions and decisions of others determine our self-worth.
The images in Looking Glass feature three models, each acting as a surrogate of myself, reflecting my experience of basing my self-worth on others' opinions. I experimented with water distortion of facial features, symbolizing how our self-perception can become warped when we rely on others to define us. I also used mirror reflections to depict the unclouded image we can see of ourselves when we step back and stop seeking approval from others.
The pages of the book alternate between sections of water distortion and mirror images, with about 30-50 images in each section. The book is designed to be flipped through quickly, as each section uses sequential images. This method of viewing also reflects the snap judgments we often make when interacting with others.
Looking Glass was originally a 500+ page book, single-sided and printed on 8.5x11 paper, bound with zip ties and a plexiglass reflective cover. After completing the first edition, I realized that the format didn’t align with or reflect the concept I was trying to convey. It has since been restructured into three separate volumes, perfect-bound with a stonehenge cover.
February 2025.
Modeling by Julianna Garcia, Nadia Essad, and Mia Blumberg.
Printed on 8x8 Hammermill 60# paper, printed at the VCU Creative Print Bureau. Cover text pressed at the Bauhaus Press.
I decided to explore this theory through photography, but with emphasis on the idea that we should not allow the actions and decisions of others determine our self-worth.
The images in Looking Glass feature three models, each acting as a surrogate of myself, reflecting my experience of basing my self-worth on others' opinions. I experimented with water distortion of facial features, symbolizing how our self-perception can become warped when we rely on others to define us. I also used mirror reflections to depict the unclouded image we can see of ourselves when we step back and stop seeking approval from others.
The pages of the book alternate between sections of water distortion and mirror images, with about 30-50 images in each section. The book is designed to be flipped through quickly, as each section uses sequential images. This method of viewing also reflects the snap judgments we often make when interacting with others.
Looking Glass was originally a 500+ page book, single-sided and printed on 8.5x11 paper, bound with zip ties and a plexiglass reflective cover. After completing the first edition, I realized that the format didn’t align with or reflect the concept I was trying to convey. It has since been restructured into three separate volumes, perfect-bound with a stonehenge cover.
February 2025.
Modeling by Julianna Garcia, Nadia Essad, and Mia Blumberg.
Printed on 8x8 Hammermill 60# paper, printed at the VCU Creative Print Bureau. Cover text pressed at the Bauhaus Press.