A Social Experiment on Perception

brandon barnard photography social experiment vee face value

Face Value.

face value noun

Taking a person at Face Value means judging them based on first impressions, outward appearances, or initial interactions, without exploring deeper into their character, motivations, or the complexities of their behavior. This can often lead to misunderstandings, as the true nature of a person might be more nuanced or different than what is initially perceived.

The Concept.

Did you know it takes less than 1 second for people to make a first impression about a stranger from their face?

It’s hardwired into our DNA–from the days of cavemen, when we sized up whether someone was a threat, to today, when we judge people based on their place in society.

In “Face Value”, we invite you to dive into this phenomenon. You will first see a portrait of someone and make your own snap judgment about who they are. Then, we will reveal a video interview where that person shares their story. The goal? To see if your opinion changes after getting to know them better.

This project captures a moment in time. We all change day by day–our moods, challenges, and experiences shape us. The interview is just a snapshot of one small part of a person’s life.

STEP 1
Gaze at the photo. What's the first thing that comes to mind? Make it quick—trust your gut!
STEP 2
Watch the video. Has your initial impression shifted? Maybe there's more to the story than you thought.
STEP 3
We want to hear from you. Share your thoughts and let us know if that first impression was spot on or totally off the mark.
YOUR JOURNEY still CONTINUES...

Explore More Faces.

Brandon Barnard, the creative force behind “Face Value,” is a passionate storyteller known for his genuine warmth and infectious enthusiasm. Having longed to undertake this project for years, Brandon is thrilled to finally share it with the world.

In “Face Value,” Brandon combines his love for photography with his natural ability to connect with people. He captures the essence of 100 individuals through his portraits and directs accompanying video interviews that unveil the real stories behind each face.

Brandon’s approachable style and keen eye for human emotion make each portrait more than just a picture—they become a window into personal narratives. This project reflects his dedication to understanding and celebrating the complexities of human perception, inviting us to look beyond initial impressions and appreciate the deeper stories of those we meet.

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Face Value is a thought-provoking exploration of human perception and the swift judgments we make based on appearances. This book presents 100 portraits, each capturing the essence of an individual in a single moment.

As you examine these faces, you will form your own initial impressions—just as we all do. However, each portrait is accompanied by a video interview accessible via QR codes, which unveil the individual’s personal experiences, challenges, and personality, encouraging you to reassess your initial perceptions.

This journey highlights the fluid nature of identity and perception, reminding us that a face is merely the starting point of a much deeper narrative.

Uncover the Depths Behind the Faces.

Pre-order books will ship in late November

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Become a sponsor.

Your company can own this campaign.

Over the past six months, we have interviewed 100 individuals from diverse backgrounds for the Face Value social experiment. This project aims to explore the phenomenon of first impressions and how perceptions change as we learn more about each person.

We plan to launch a brand awareness campaign designed to enhance your brand’s visibility on social media, connecting with audiences in meaningful and impactful ways.

What you get:

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facevalue@professionalphotographer.co.za
A social experiment presented by:
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Leica Camera logo Brandon Barnard Photography
All photographs shot using the Leica LS2