I use digital photography to demonstrate the factors that contribute to self esteem. I also like to explore several mediums to expand my knowledge of the elements of art because those skills are the foundation of taking a good picture. I try to shift how my subjects perceive themselves.
The use of color in my work creates emphasis on areas in a photograph that I want viewers to focus on. In my art I try to use various tints and shades of the same color, to direct focus to the contrast rather than just the colors themselves. When my photographs are in black and white there isn’t a disturbance in the flow, organizing the emotion within the photograph to be the point of interest. Throughout my other pieces exploring other medias, I leave negative space around the center of interest to steer attention toward the subject. I immediately shift the focal point towards the subject because I want viewers to have no distractions when internally reflecting how that area of society's standards contributes to their own sense of self worth.
The camera acts as my eye, permanently recording what I see. The reaction from my subjects when they see themselves is rewarding because they see what everyone else sees; their unique beauty that distinguished them from anybody else. I initially wanted to create work about my church, but I learned that the aspect I love is how my church defines a purpose for everyone. This idea caused me to further analyze how others view their purpose and how they determined their worth and purpose. As Annie Leibovitz said, “Sometimes I enjoy just photographing the surface because I think it can be as revealing as going to the heart of the matter. ” I want the viewers to see into the subject presented in an effort increase their sense of identity.
Awards
Adams 12 School District Art Show 2nd Place May 2013
Adams County Fair Advanced Portrait Photography 2nd Place August 2013