Photography isn’t just a hobby but a way of life about how you see and how you want to display the world. I am incredibly passionate about capturing life and how people choose to live it. Photography is so meaningful to me because I get to hold on to memories I make using a camera that creates a photo I can keep for a lifetime.
I had a life-changing summer at the International Center of Photography (ICP) as we went on field trips to Govenor’sIsland and the Whitney Museum, worked with other aspiring photographers, and set stages up to great ravishing photographs that tell our summertime stories. In addition, I reviewed some of the basics of photography, like the use of aperture and shutter speed with manual mode. I began to form new connections within the program and found new techniques to enhance my photography. My final project for this class was about “summertime loneliness.” I described through my series the feelings of being in NYC during the summer and the isolation associated. Also, I tried to highlight the importance of mental health; the importance of taking time for yourself and your needs during this time off. Summertime is about relaxing, but it is also about self-discovery, and through the art I made in this class, I expressed my emotions of self-love and despair while on this break.
The other photography class I took was at a different location, and over the last couple of months, I have also formed special bonds with the people who work there and the students who go there to learn and master their talents. In this five-week class, I created my first physical book that included collages I made with prints I took during the course and in previous classes. It is the highlight of my summer because of how much work time and effort my hands and eyes put into it. I am proud to say I have created my first series of physical work called “JAH” about my family life and a declaration of love for my natural textured hair. Overall, these classes this summer have allowed me to become a better photographer and helped me go on my journey of self-discovery. I am excited to continue finding myself through my photography at ICP this fall.
