Last night was the opening reception for Columbia Art League’s new show, ‘A sense of Self’. From the postcard about the show, “Sense of Self invites artists to explore their own sense of identity. Who are they as artists, and how do they portray that sense of identity and self through their chosen medium?” I thought it was a perfect fit for me to enter one of my pieces of Lucy, my 101 year old model. The experiences that led me to be able to work with Lucy and the experience of the session itself and editing the work afterward have all become defining moments in my personal journey as a photographer.
This fall I set the intention that I would be more connected with my subjects during our time together. I think that at times, photographers can let the camera come between or keep me separated from my subjects. I realized this when I worked with a woman preparing to go through a double mastectomy. As I photographed her body in a way it was soon to change forever-I commanded myself to be present. To not let my discomfort interfere with the session. I began to see that I have the ability to alter how people are seen by how I use my lens. If I’m uncomfortable, I think it shows. I do think there are times when that discomfort can be useful in an image but the challenge is to find those times and use it accordingly.
So, the internal struggle began with how can I continue to earn a living as a portrait photographer and also pursue my fine art dreams? I think this blog has shown some of that struggle. I debate whether to use this space to show great family photo sessions or expose some of the projects I’m working on.
Okay, back to the CAL exhibit. I entered one of my pieces of Lucy and I’m extremely proud to announce I was awarded third place. I’m sure by now you are chanting, ‘let’s see the piece already! Enough talk!’ Without further adieu, ‘What Time Creates’ followed by two more in the series. Please feel free to leave comments by clicking on the talk bubble on the right side of the page
I just have to tell you how long I just stared at that first image of Lucy. Just. Stared. It is gorgeous. And breathtaking. And I just learned more about my body in the minutes I sat and stared at this image then I ever have before. Gravity. I never thought of just plain old gravity.
This really is a beautiful image and I would love to link it on our blog. I’d also love to know how you got her to sit for you! My grandmother is 96 and she didn’t like me taking photos of her hands b/c she doesn’t like how “old” they look! I told her she IS old and that’s why I love her hands! So she relented but to get a woman of that age to sit nude is incredible to me.
Anyway, just blown away!