7. Stamps

As an extension to the postcard project each child created a sheet of postage stamps from their own photographic portrait.

Originally the intention had been to get the children to bring in a photograph of themselves from home but time pressure resulted in a different approach, where each class teacher took a series of digital portraits of the children in their class for the children to use.

It's easy to see how this aspect of the project could become a much more substantial part of the project or a project focus in its own right. Children could study stamps, and different approaches to portraiture. A portrait studio could be set up in the classroom using a backdrop and simple lighting. Children could use a digital camera and experiment with different facial expressions, poses, costume etc. The fictionalised portraits of Cindy Sherman could be used as a starting point.