Looking Glass Self

A hypothesis in sociology known as the Looking Glass Self Theory, proposes that we come to know who we are from the reactions of other people towards us. Which means, when we look at another person, we are also looking at ourselves. In other words, a portrait can also be a self-portrait. When people emerged in my photographs, they were on the other side of the room. As my confidence increased, the distance between us decreased. Photographing within conversation space is where I have arrived. The essence of each interaction is what I wish to preserve. It doesn't always materialize. Often a smile is too self-conscious, or there's absence of trust. But when successful, for a fraction of a second, photographer and subject align to reflect each other.