Shawn: A Self-Portrait

Shawn Smith

Digital photography

This self-portrait captures my physical form marked with ashes in the shape of a cross from an Ash Wednesday service. The ashes serve as a visible reminder of my faith, grounding the image in both identity and belief. While I typically present myself in color, I chose black and white for this piece to strip away distraction and emphasize contrast, texture, and presence. This shift allows the image to speak in a quieter but more intentional way. Through this, I reflect on the uniqueness within each person and the imprint of something greater that shapes us. The photograph invites viewers to consider what marks them—visibly or invisibly—and how those marks tell a deeper story about who they are – created in the Image of God.