What of My Mirror: Rethinking the Photographic Self-Portrait
with Shala Miller
(8 sessions)
Description
In this course, we will honor the need for self-portraiture and study how it can be used as a tool in self-study, helping us to find grounding. If the personal is political, where does self-portraiture lie within this sentiment? How can self-portraiture be used as a tool to reclaim one’s narrative, especially in the face of a white supremacist system that works to rewrite history of marginalized people? What power does storytelling, world-building, and mythmaking carry in the face of oppression? We will ask ourselves these questions as we study performance, still life photography, conceptual photography, and documentary. Students will be pushed to think about self-portraiture outside of its traditions and create new self-portraits that embrace performance and fiction.
NewCrits will host six informal, live webinars throughout late July and August 2025. These sessions give prospective students a chance to meet instructors, learn about course themes, and ask questions before enrollment closes.
Interested in What of My Mirror: Rethinking the Photographic Self-Portrait? Join us for one of the following webinars:
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NewCrits Class Scholarships
NewCrits is offering 2 full scholarships per class (covering 100% of tuition).
• Open to all artists—no degree required
• Available for all currently listed courses on our site
How to Apply
◦ Apply here.
Deadline:
Scholarship applications are due by August 26th.
Selected recipients will be notified via email by Sept 2nd
What We’re Looking For
We’re not interested in polished resumes or prestige. We’re looking for people who are:
• Hungry to grow
• Curious and generous in discussion
• Excited to be part of a supportive and rigorous community of peers
Questions?
Email us anytime at info@newcrits.studio — we’re happy to help.
Syllabus
Week 1: Self-portrait where you’re not in front of the lens
Week 2: Critique & Discussion
Week 3: Self-portrait as myth
Week 4: Critique & Discussion
Week 5: Self-portrait as alter ego
Week 6: Critique & Discussion
Week 7: Self-portrait as documentation of performance
Week 8: Final Projects and Presentations
Expectations
Who is this class for?
We’ll explore prompts such as:
- Self-portrait as alter ego
- Self-portrait as myth
- Self-portrait as documentation of performance
- Self-portrait where you’re not in front of the lens
Each class will begin with close readings and discussions of different methods of self-portraiture across disciplines. The second half of the course will focus on student experimentation and recontextualization—returning to, rephotographing, and revising work as new questions emerge. This course is ideal for photographers, performance artists, writers, and anyone interested in expanding the meaning of self-representation in photography. Students will come out of this class with a new body of self-portrait work. The class will include discussions, critiques, and technical workshops.
Requirements
✔ Artists 18+
✔ Artists actively engaged in a studio practice
✔ Artists actively practicing photography or interested in starting
✔ Artists who enjoy reading, discussion, and critical thinking
✔ Artists interested in how identity intersects with art and history
What you’ll do:
Studio work: Complete one final project and short exercises
Critique and dialogue: Participate in thoughtful, structured critiques with peers and instructor
Reading and research: Engage with eight or more texts from art history, philosophy, geology, and Indigenous knowledge systems
Presentation: Lead a short reading discussion or material demo for the group
Guest engagements: Learn from artists and thinkers working within portraiture and photography
What you’ll get:
Community and conversation: Access to the NewCrits Discord carving channel for shared dialogue and peer support
Course materials: Downloadable readings, artist guides, and process prompts
Mentorship and feedback: Detailed critique and conceptual guidance on your projects
A sharpened lens: A more precise, thoughtful approach to your materials, your work, and the act of making
Questions
General Course Information
1. Who is this course for?
Artists, curators, writers, and anyone interested in understanding how identity shapes contemporary and historical art practices.
2. Do I need to be an artist to take this course?
No! While artists may benefit from this course, it is open to anyone interested in sculpture and visual culture.
3. How long is the course?
The course runs for 8 weeks with 2 hr weekly live Zoom sessions and additional resources provided.
4. What topics will be covered?
We’ll cover themes such as:
- The ethics and aesthetics of removal in art and land
- Carving as both violence and communion
- Material as memory: stone, earth, and time
- Tools as extensions of authorship and intent
Logistics & Technology
5. How will the course be delivered?
Live Zoom sessions with interactive discussions, artist talks, and group critique. Sessions will be recorded for later access.
6. What happens if I miss a class?
All sessions are recorded and available for enrolled students to watch later.
7. Do I need any special materials?
No special materials are required, but we may suggest optional readings or activities to enhance your experience.
8. What are the technical requirements?
You'll need:
- A stable internet connection
- A device (laptop or tablet) with Zoom installed
- A quiet space for discussion
Engagement & Community
9. Will I get to interact with the instructor and other students?
Yes! This is an interactive course with discussions, Q&A, and community engagement through live sessions and optional breakout groups.
10. Is there homework or assignments?
There will be optional readings, prompts, and reflections, but no required assignments. The goal is to spark conversation and creative exploration.
11. Will there be guest speakers?
Yes! We’ll have guest artists, critics, and scholars join throughout the course to share their perspectives.
Pricing & Enrollment
12. How much does the course cost?
For early sign-ups, we’re offering a discounted rate of $900 before the full price increases to $1200.
13. Is financial aid available?
We offer a limited number of scholarships and sliding-scale options. Contact us to learn more.
14. Can I pay in installments?
Yes, we offer a payment plan to make the course more accessible.
15. How do I enroll?
Click the "Apply Here" button up top, enter your details, and you’ll receive an email confirmation with next steps.
Certification & Future Opportunities
16. Will I receive a certificate?
Yes! A certificate of completion will be provided for those who attend at least 6/8 of the sessions.
17. Will there be future courses?
Yes! This is the first of several courses on art and critical theory. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming topics.
Teachers
Shala Miller
Shala Miller, also known as Freddie June when they sing, was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio by two southerners named Al and Ruby. At around the age of 10 or 11, Miller discovered quietude, the kind you’re sort of pushed into, and then was fooled into thinking that this is where they should stay put. Since then, Miller has been trying to find their way out, and find her way into an understanding of herself and her history, using photography, video, writing and singing as an aid in this process. Taking up skin as a site of history and intimacy with the self and across generations, they hold space for the body’s vulnerabilities and maladies. Miller works across photography, film, writing, music, and performance as a means of meditating on the conjunction of desire, mourning, pain, and pleasure. Miller holds a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Her book, Tender Noted, was voted best photo book of 2022 by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and her artwork is in the collections of MoMA, The Studio Museum, the Hessel Museum, the Akeroyd Collection and The Lumber Room among others.