Loss 3

Okay everyone! I have taken some images and would love feedback. As you know I'm trying to captivate the feeling of loss, by not showing faces, but rather, having my viewers connect loss in their own way.  (I have taken the photo's in several different ways, I'm trying to decide which is the best)

Loss 2

Now that the snow has melted, I was finally able to make it back home and collect past images of my sister. Its crazy how much a date can mean, on the back of a photograph.

*Once I have everything organized I will be posting images for feedback.

Progress

So far I have had a photo shoot with Candice and Maeha. They both flaunted their armpit hair and had very different opinions about it. Maeha said hers is part of her identity.  She spoke about how people have different preferences and opinions. She was anti hair before she met someone who said you should grow out your armpit hair I want to see more of you. Her mind was changed and after growing the hair she then saw it as beautiful. I had the same thoughts. Candice didn't really have a preference she just is cool like that and doesn't care. She only grew her armpit hair out for my project and her boyfriend made a comment about it. He didn't like it but knew it was for the sake of an art project and his girlfriend is a model. I have seen a post online that talked about stretch marks on girls that read "please teach girls that it’s completely natural and okay to have stretch marks because i had to learn that on my own". The same could be said for body hair, being curvy, skinny, play like a boy, like girls, etc. This could be the jumping off point from hair to other body "issues" that aren't really issues.

Loss

As I have been unearthing objects from my sisters past, I find myself understanding that you can truly never overcome loss. (or at least me) It's not a battle, it's not an uphill climb, it's an understanding of learning how to control and harness those emotions in a positive way. As these objects stare back at me through my camera lens, I find myself on an emotional roller coaster. I'm on a journey in the dark trying to find light.

( I will be posting new images on 2/24/15 )

Questions

So as this series progresses I find myself asking questions...

Why do we collect so many things?
Where do we put these items?
Are we holding on to something more then just these objects? Do they represent something more?
Can we let go of these objects?
Are we in search of something?
Is there a fear in letting these objects go?
Do these items represent something in our life?

Just some random thoughts for the night.

Todays Photo Shoot

After leaving class today Alexis, Kyler and I decided to work more with flashes. We used 2 flashes as well as a reflector. Alexis was also kind enough to let me photograph her in her home for my series. As I continue this project I like seeing how people collect things and what the content is. Alexis had all her awesome outfits that we put out on her bed. Her room was also full of neat interesting things that reflect her personality. I am happy with how the lighting turned out and I am excited to see what else I can do with the flashes.

Photo shoot with Amy

This photo turned out to be an emotional one. I decided to photograph Amy right after she brook off her engagement with her boyfriend. She had a lot of his things still lingering around her apartment so I decided to take advantage of it. It made me think back to my own split up 2 years ago. When I moved out we had to decide who kept what. Packing away a life that you once had is hard. These objects have a memory tied to them. And maybe that is why people hold on to things. They can't let go of what once was and these objects are a reminder.