Photography Start
The Expansion of My Storytelling Journey
Lately, I have been feeling so burnt out from writing. Although I love the sense of revelation and self-discovery that writing provides, I had to take a break and switch up my creative medium. This summer, I had the privilege of taking a graduate-level photography course, and I feel like it sparked something alive in me.
“I have had my camera for over 5 years now, and I think I just thought too much about what to shoot and only brought it out for occasions.
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My 5-week Documentary Photography class has allowed me to sit back and capture the moment-big or small, be in fellowship with some seasoned photography majors, and ultimately develop a deeper appreciation for photography.
During the course, I created a project entitled ‘Georgia on my Mind’ that documents the unique people and environments that contribute to Georgia's culture and identity. I wanted to document my project specifically in Georgia because I've recently felt a deeper appreciation for being from the South and wanted to visually explore what Southern culture looks like and represents in the state of Georgia.
Why Documentary Photography?
Documentary Photography was a great segue for me to learn and practice photography because it let me appreciate candid moments instead of focusing on the perfect photo. I also feel like candid photos capture a person's true spirit and trajectory, which is something I value in life: getting down to the vulnerable, non-superficial side of humanity and the world.
Photography Had To Be A learning curve, right?
From being a writing major jumping straight into a graduate-level photography course, I initially felt sure of myself that I would be able to adapt and merge in with my photography major peers, and boy was I sure of myself.
Over the 5-week course, I learned a lot of technical skills with my camera and received feedback on how to make my photography project tell a more cohesive story. I have to give a big kudos to my peers for meeting me where I was at in my photography journey and giving me my props when they were due.
My Strengths
One thing my peers often gave me props for was my ability to get my subjects comfortable enough to let me take their portraits, which many seasoned photographers still struggle with. I am an overall people person at heart and not scared to ask people for their photos- what's the worst they can say?
“Fuck off?”
Nonetheless, I have a comforting, inviting exterior that helps people let me into their world, and I am glad I can bring that quality into my photography.
Now, enough of my journey about photography; let’s look at the photos I created:
