While shooting out and around Atlanta, I reverted back to a past project of mine from my large format class exploring shadows. These forms cast by a variety of objects, trees in particular, fascinated me by their distinct dark and overwhelming shapes from these living organisms. This may have opened that door for this project to begin again but with a new approach to it. After shooting entirely at night, I am slowly easing back into shooting during the daylight hours. This may be a personal project I begin to work on this quarter.

How Time has Passed

My mom just e-mailed me this photograph today and was eager to hear my reaction when I viewed it. It has always been crazy to see myself, in photographs, as a child because I vaguely remember much of my childhood memories. As one chapter of my life comes to a close, I have begun to reflect on past experiences and memorable moments. I remember hearing the phrase "college is the best four years of your life," and I can attest 100% to this statement. My college career has definitely been a crazy memorable one that I do not regret. College was such a life changing experience and it allowed me to witness growth within myself but also in my academics and outlook on life. From freshmen year where I immediately got homesick to living "OFF campus" 6 hours away from home, shows a multitude in my growth. I have come to immensely appreciate my family, especially my parents for all that they have done in my life and to support me through college. I know I can't believe that it's coming to an end and can only imagine how my parents feel to have their youngest daughter graduating college and heading off to graduate school and their oldest daughter graduating law school! It is definitely going to be a memorable year with a multitude of things to celebrate with so much love and respect oozing from my core.

It still amazes me that a photograph can bring back immense memories and allow people to reflect on their life.

The End of One Chapter...

As this ten weeks comes to an end, I realize that I am very content with the work I have produced. This is one of the first quarters that I feel that a project of mine has been completed. With my night in Atlanta series, I am very content and satisfied. After the critique today and very helpful feedback, I can definitely say that I am officially done with this series. I am very proud of myself for sticking this project out for the entire quarter...even if I wanted to throw my hands up and call it quits. By pushing myself to photograph at least once a week, I was able to accomplish my personal goals and an overall cohesive series by the end of the quarter. I want to continue pushing myself with continuing a series for the entire quarter because at the end of it all it is much more satisfying and rewarding to see your progress and what you are capable of. This entire quarter has taught me that I can commit to a project and have overcome my shyness by interviewing strangers. This has definitely been a time of growth and learning and will continue to be until I graduate in June. I am eager to see what next quarter will hold for me personally and photographically.

the social network

I just finally watched the movie "The Social Network" and found that it stood up to all the rave reviews. The fact that young people are so fascinated with each other and want to be able to pry into people's lives but not interact with them face-to-face is the embodiment of our society today. It is shown from the constant news of celebrities like Lindsey Lohan and Britney Spears whose lives turned to turmoil as we all watched with open ears and eyes to follow their every move. Our society today is fascinated by the lives of other people, especially celebrities because of our quest to either be more like them or just to be "in-the-know." Everyone wants to be able to see into other peoples lives without having to interact with them by face-to-face communication. Facebook has been an enabler of this lack of communication because we are now able to contact people all over the world by friending them, sending them a Facebook message, poking or even chatting with them. Each of these aspects have allowed for normal means of talking with one another to be completely viral. I think that is one thing that our society, especially people in my generation who are beginning to rely more on these methods than actually going out and meeting people. Our whole society has turned to the internet to meet people from companies like eHarmony and a plethora of other dating sites. I feel that people have become so comfortable with this way of life that the art of communication is being lost in translation and being replaced by technology. I think that overtime this is the main way we will talk with other people and this normal human interaction will slowly diminish. This transition is very fascinating to me because I can see this occurring with my own eyes. I strongly believe that we should rely less on technology to meet people who we become friends or lovers with because it takes that spontaneity and overwhelming emotions out of life. This technological communication has become our "social network."

Senior Group Show

So I went to the Eleven exhibition on Thursday and was very impressed with the group of students work. Each photographer showed very interesting artwork that I was immensely fascinated by. I think there was a very good variety of photographs that made this a very dynamic exhibit. One photographer in particular, Sean Wright, his work really caught my eye because of his beautiful landscapes that had odd colors that was either done with infrared film or in post production. I found the odd colors to really allure me because of that weird aspect to his photographs. It made me start to think of how I can make my work more interesting than just black-and-white images. I would like to play around more with color to create a different aesthetic with my work instead of the classic b&w I usually use.

Robin Benson's work also caught my attention because of the interesting nude self-portrait series "Lost but Found." I have done a nude self-portrait series in the past but I did not immerse myself in the natural world. I found her combination of nudity and the natural environment to be very complementing of each other and goes back to being your true form with all of these natural elements around you. Her ending image with her back to the viewer was a lasting one in my brain because of how the picture spoke for itself. From this image, I was able to see her series come to a close; that she had finally found herself within all of these natural elements. I think that all of her images were able to tell a story and speak for themselves. That is one aspect that I strive to portray within my work.

I also thoroughly enjoyed Allison Neckman's work and not just because I happened to be in her series. I found her entire concept to be very meaningful and allowed for her subjects to reflect on their childhood and relationships with their parents. Her execution of her portraits were beautiful with the natural light that created this serene ambiance. As my senior year comes to a close, I have begun to do more reflecting on how much I have enjoyed these fun college years and how grateful I am for my parents who have helped and molded me into the woman I have become. I think we don't give our parents enough credit for all that they do. I have started to let my parents know that I am very appreciative of everything they have done for me because I know how proud they will be when I walk across that stage and receive my Bachelor's Degree. This work really struck an emotion with me because I have begun to realize how much I am thankful to have such loving, caring, and all around devoted parents.

Art of Words Project

For my photojournalism class, I am documenting the spoken word and open mic scene in the Atlanta area. This project started as an exploration of open mic nights at Java Monkey in Decatur, Ga. It has now evolved into focusing on three well known poets in the area and getting a glimpse into their life as a spoken word artist. The first poet on my journey was Darnell Fine. He has spoken a lot around the Atlanta area and is a member of a slam team. Initially I was taking photographs at these open mic events, but have decided to meet one on one with each individual to interview and photograph them along with any specific belongings they own. (i.e. a journal they write in, headphones, etc.) This is a glimpse into what I have been working on thus far.

Andrew Lichtenstein

After viewing Andrew Lichtenstein's MediaStorm documentary, "Never Coming Home," I was very moved by his work. The fact that he documented such a heavy and sad subject, shows a different side to his character as a person and photographer. Each persons story, that he interviews, has such strong emotion and allows the viewer to mourn with them and get a glimpse into their loss of a loved one. Whenever I hear about a child dying before their parent, I always think of the saying "a parent should never have to bury their child." I cannot even imagine a parent having to cope with this and bury their child, at such a young age.

http://www.mediastorm.com/publication/never-coming-home

His other work, "American History Project 2010," was also a very interesting and heavy subject. It deals with locations from monumental events, both horrible and memorable, that Americans have forgotten. When he talks about how adamant our society is on moving forward and building over the past, it makes me want to stop and remember American history along with my own. i do feel that Americans are so influenced to move onto the next best thing and acquire the newest technology, when in fact everyone should take a minute to be thankful and remember their own experiences that have made them who they are today. As I come to an end of one journey of my life, I have started to stop and recollect on monumental experiences and events that have molded me into the young woman I am starting to be. I think it's necessary for every human being to look back and be grateful for their friends, family, and people that have entered their life and made it that much more interesting. I strongly believe that this is a very important aspect that people need to begin to do in their lives.

http://facingchange.org/american-history-project/

People Without People

After looking at more of Todd Hido's work, I found the initial series that made me fall in love with this photographer. His landscapes embody what I try to capture in my most recent series. His compositions and use of natural lighting is what makes the photograph sing. His solitary light source allows the image to create this somber mood that draws the viewer into the composition. This is one aspect that I am focusing on with my series to add that sense of depth and bring just enough light to my images.

Todd Hido

After receiving feedback on my desolate darkness midterm, I have been getting inspiration from other photographers to help this project grow. I have been looking at Todd Hido's work a lot recently and I am in love with his homes at night series. Both series at people's homes and apartments struck me by their dreary color and eerie moods. He has captured what I am yearning to do but in color. Even though he is focusing more on structures and less on nature, I still find his photographs intriguing and interesting. When you think of homes at night, you expect them to be full of families enjoying their time together, but these images are the complete opposite and show that night fall brings solitude. There is also a sense of quietness to his images because of the simplicity and dynamic compositions. His work has inspired me to go out and focus on structures more and creating these simple images that lead the viewer into the frame.

5DaysOfBlack

After watching a documentary on one of my all time favorite R&B singers, Maxwell, my passion for what I love to do has been revived. There is always a time where my inspiration dwindles and I yearn for a push, some type of light bulb to go off. This documentary is about this vocal artists journey to completing his most recent album, BLACKsummersnight. As an artist myself, I get inspired by his emotions and feelings behind what each song means to him and his overall passion for music. He talks about "the lessons that I have learned to live first and create after" which I find to be true with all art forms in terms of the experiences that create these monumental moments in your life. Those experiences are great influences and inspirations for art...even more for the artist.

When he talks about one of his singles, "Pretty Wings," his description behind this beautifully written song, comes to light.
"Pretty Wings is about letting someone go, letting them go when you know that you would rather them not go, but knowing in some way that the timing isn't right and that you're supposed to separate, live and maybe come back together. And even if you don't, just understand that higher voice, that pushes you to see the big picture and make a hard decision."
This song bleeds and oozes this description and meaning behind the love of this track; it creates this relatable story. This creation of a story reverts back to what I yearn to portray within my photographs. This is one aspect I have been working on for the past two quarters and am beginning to understand how to let the picture speak for itself; in the same way this song speaks to it's listener.

art.nouveau

While researching for my photojournalism class, I found this Atlanta based magazine, art nouveau. I have always been intrigued by up and coming artists from around the area and learning about the growing Atlanta art scene. I find this magazine to capture in your face artists who graphically express themselves through their art. I find that expression to be admirable and fascinating due to the confidence and passion these artists embody.

Illustrator

Stumbling across the art nouveau magazine, I found an interesting illustrator by the name of Rich Pellegrino. He is based in the Rhode Island area and creates innovative and colorful artwork. I found these abstract portraits to be eye pleasing and make me linger in each one because of the dynamic use of colors and brush strokes.

Phillip Toledano - Days with my Father

After checking out Forest's blog, I found the post on Phillip Toledano. I went to his website (http://www.dayswithmyfather.com) and looked at his series. I immediately fell in love with the deep devotion and meaning behind this project and how personal it was for him. There is one quote from the series that strikes me as absolutely beautiful "I feel lucky to have had these last three years. To have left nothing unsaid. To know that we loved each other nakedly, without embarrassment." I feel that these are a lot of aspects of life and death that people always wish they could redo when they loose a loved one.

I take this project to heart because my grandparents are in a similar situation. My grandmother has alzheimer's and is slowly deteriorating while my frail grandfather is taking care of her, while dismissing his own health. When I see two people that sincerely love each other and have been together for 50 + years, that truly captures the vow "till death do us part." I know they will be together until one of them passes because of that vow they made and the unconditional love they have for one another. I have been toying with the idea to photograph them as a personal project to show selfless my grandfather is to take care of his ailing wife due to how much he loves that woman. I find this action to be inspiring and captivating because of how many people, nowadays, that take the word "love" for granted and have no idea what it truly means to love someone, unconditionally.

I recently stumbled upon this beautiful photo taken by Christopher Cosgrove, a photography student from the Savannah campus. When I saw this photograph, I was completely fascinated and could not stop looking at it. The composition, flattering lighting, and simple pose of this beautiful model has created a breath taking photograph. It is images like these that inspire and motivate me to experiment with my own potential ideas to pursue on my own time. I find myself struggling with completing my own ideas outsides of class because I feel so wrapped up in my projects. I think that is one thing that many SCAD students struggle with because of the high demand for a fabulous project, for the grade. This is one aspect that I am striving to work on and allow my creativity to flourish -- for more than just a good grade.

A True Photographer

One of my favorite photographers, Yousuf Karsh, continuously inspires me. He was well known for his portraits of influential people and celebrities. The approach he took to photographing these people truly captured an essence of who they are and / or were. I strive to capture this similar essence. A quote that embodies his outlook on his photography and drive is what motivates me when I photograph portraits of people.

The endless fascination for these people for me lies in what i call their inward power. It is part of the elusive secret that hides in everyone, and it has been my life's work to try and capture it on film. The mask we present to others and, to often, to ourselves may lift for only a second -- to reveal that power in an unconscious gesture, a raised brow, a surprised response, a moment of repose. This is the moment to record.

To my deep satisfaction, through my photographs many people have been introduced to some of the outstanding personalities of our time and, I hope, given a more intimate glimpse of and greater insight into them.

My own quest now has stretched for over a lifetime. The search for greatness of spirit has compelled me to work harder -- to strive for perfection, knowing it may be unattainable. My quest has brought me great joy when something close to my ideal has been attained. It has kept me young in heart, adventurous, forever seeking, and always aware that the heart and mind are the true lens of the camera.

Yousuf Karsh

Snow Day

As I sit here on this beautiful snow day in Atlanta. I start to get some photography ideas of doing a shoot in the snow. Since this is such a rare occasion in the south, it would be very interesting to go out and shoot in this weather. I got some dope shots last night of the snow falling which allowed my creativity to start going. Some type of high fashion shoot with bright colored garments would pop with the surrounding of white powder around the model. Anything that would contrast and play off of the white snow would make for a dynamic photograph and allow the viewer to create their own story from the image. It's fascinating to me how inspiration can come from practically anywhere for anyone to create this unique masterpiece.