Submission 2020

I've always had difficulty articulating my thoughts into words, even as I write this, I'm overthinking and removing every second sentence put down. However, I do understand the importance of submission statement, so I will do my best to give you all an insight into my work and how I ended up with the images you see! I find inspiration in the mundane if that makes sense. There's something about shooting in environments that are not partially interesting or at least, the focus of most people that attracts me. Maybe it's the ability to see something others don't, or maybe I just like showcasing the beauty overlooked in everyday life? Honestly, I'm yet to figure out what exactly it is that draws me in. Very really will I isolate someone from their surrounds. For me, the surroundings are just as important, if not more important than the person or subject I'm photographing. A tightly shot photograph of a surfer doing a grand manoeuvre without foreground and background might be impressive from an athletic standpoint; however, it takes away from the journey and removes all emotion tied to that one moment in time. There are obviously exceptions to this rule, but for the most part, I will always angle myself into a background or foreground and shoot pulled back as it can help transport a reader to that location and into that moment. With street photography, I'm often looking for symmetry as well as lines and lighting that will help draw a viewer into a particular point. Take the statue of liberty image for example. I didn't just want to hang off the side of the boat and shoot the statue, as impressive as it is, I want people who view this photo to be transported onto the boat right alongside me. Yes, you're on The Staten Island Ferry to see the statue, but it's also an experience in its self and almost a right of passage for anyone visiting New York for the first time, and this is what I'm trying to convey. I hope this gives you some insight into my thought processes for each of the images included in my submission.