Photo Assignment 1: Self Portrait

Tessa Trivax, a junior SMU fashion media and journalism major, works out with weights, a Heroboard, and a resistance band at her apartment in Dallas, Texas on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (©2025 Tessa Trivax/SMU)

When I began planning this photo, one of the first challenges I faced was narrowing down the concept. I wanted to capture not just a staged image but something that felt authentic to my daily routine. At first, I struggled with the balance between making the setup look polished and natural. My initial attempts felt stiff and too posed, so I stepped back and thought about how I could incorporate movement to make the photo more dynamic.

Staging the space was another challenge. Since I shot the photo in my apartment, I had to make sure the background was clean and free of distractions, which took more time than I expected. The lighting was not a huge problem for me, as my bedroom has a big window that lets sunlight directly into it. I had to experiment with different angles until I found one that highlighted both me and the equipment without harsh shadows. After a few test shots that came out too dark, I adjusted the camera angle in my room to soften the light from the window.

One thing I did right was choosing to include the equipment I actually use—weights, a Heroboard, and a band. These props grounded the image in reality and gave it a stronger sense of purpose. However, I initially positioned the equipment awkwardly, which made the frame feel cluttered. Once I rearranged them to form a cleaner line and shifted my position slightly, the photo became much more balanced.

This photo captures my personality because it reflects both my dedication and my independence. Fitness has always been part of how I express discipline and balance in my life, so showing myself mid-workout felt true to who I am. It also demonstrates my preference for creating routines at home, where I can fully focus without outside distractions. The specific colors of the weights, bright pink, also show some personality and the girly aspect of my life. 

I chose my apartment as the setting because it represents my personal space and the comfort I find in working toward my goals privately. The room is where I balance my academic life with self-care, so it made sense to highlight that connection. The weights, the Heroboard, and the resistance band all represent the different approaches I use to challenge myself. Together, they tell the story of how I stay grounded, motivated, and committed even when juggling multiple roles as a student, creative director, and content creator.

Ultimately, the process of planning, staging, and shooting this photo pushed me to think critically about both technical and personal elements. It’s not just a picture of me working out; it’s a snapshot of how I maintain balance in my life, visually tying together my routines, personality, and space.