Revised Artist Statement

Who isn’t influenced by photographs? If only we could spend hours staring at interesting people we see in our day-to-day lives, the people who trigger our curiosity, the people we want to be around—to touch, talk to, and mimic.  

Photographs are the key to maintaining that special recollection. Every angle, every expression, every focus that is conveyed through the photograph inspires the viewer. Photographs are memories; they exist so that we can refer to them whenever we choose to.

My special interest is in fashion photography. Photography is vital to communicating fashion expression. I can appreciate all types of fashion photography—from the all-American style of Bruce Weber to the high fashion glamour of Hedi Slimane. The clothing, the accessories, the exoticness of the models and the locations all form a beautiful collaboration. What is extraneous to some may to me be essential in conveying the mystery of beauty that the model has to offer. Style, our own individual relationship to ourselves, is what forms from viewing fashion.

Having completed three fashion internships in which I was involved in photo shoots, I have become more and more familiar with the techniques both the photographers and stylists utilize during the shooting process. Fashion is incredibly influential to everyone—whether they realize it or not. It is expressing oneself without words. Photographing that style, and capturing it so that the world can see, enables viewers to not only be inspired, but to experience all types of people—simply by viewing different looks.

When I was younger I used to photograph my friends—styling their hair, make up, clothing, and accessories, traveling to places we thought were interesting, and shooting. Now, I am more intrigued by candid photos because of the pure naturalness they evoke. It is never difficult to find someone on the streets of NYC with an incredible fashion sense. And when I do, I try my best to capture that raw moment of life. These people may not be models, but that is what makes them even more intriguing—they are people we see everyday, people we can relate to and aspire to understand or be influenced by.

End of the Semester

As the semester comes to an end, I would like to take a moment to write about how being a part of this media class was an enriching experience for me. Before beginning the class, my anticipations for learning a variety of photo/film editing techniques were high. I can now say that the class, which involved thoughtful instruction accompanied with helpful techniques, made my experience worthwhile and beneficial.

I met some great people, and hope to keep in touch with them!

Thank you Cassie!

Museum of Moving Image Trip

I spent a lovely Saturday afternoon at the American Museum of the Moving Image. The first thing I noticed about the museum was its unique architecture. The front doors doubled as mirrors and inside, the museum seemed small with simple white walls. I was in a state of repose as I scanned the area with my eyes. I did not feel overwhelmed in any way by exhibits, as they were not to be discovered until the next floor up. I made my way up to the second floor, and while there, I viewed masks created for such films as The Mask and Babel. I also viewed the prosthetic legs used in the film, Black Swan. The walls were adorned with photographs of acting/singing legends—Marilyn Monroe, Liza Minnelli, Doris Day, and Mary Astor to name a few. Additionally, I saw the set designs (along with their sketches, and drawing schedules) for films such as The Wiz and one of my favorites, The Silence of the Lambs—in fact, I was especially excited to see that one! I had a great time trying on different famous character outfits, such as those of Marilyn Monroe in The Seven Year Itch, Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz in a very cool virtual mirror. After that, I sat down, put on headphones, and listened to the musical scores of such films as, Lolita, Requiem for a Dream, and Titanic. On the next floor, I threw on a pair of 3D glasses and enjoyed an interesting interactive experience in which I felt as though I had been placed in a maze. I particularly enjoyed making all three of my stop-motion films, and had trouble pulling myself away from creating more. Finally, I caught a showing of the film, Wendy and Lucy, directed by Kelly Reichardt. The film stars Michelle Williams as Wendy, a woman who destines to go to Alaska, taking her dog, Lucy, along with her, but instead ends up stranded in Oregon. Wendy finds herself homeless and is arrested for shoplifting. While in jail, Lucy disappears. Throughout the film, Wendy is searching for Lucy, and eventually discovers she has been adopted by a very caring family. Wendy decides to save up money to continue her journey, but leaves Lucy behind with a family she knows can take care of her. The film was quite eye opening to the issue of poverty in America, and how easy it is to become victim to it. All in all, my visit to the American Museum of Moving Image made for a great supplemental lesson to our media class. I had never heard of the museum before, and am glad I was able to experience all that it has to offer.

Stamp Assignment

There are so many simple moments in life that become beautiful memories when photographed. With that said, the concept of watchful eyes as part of our memories is interesting. 

The theme of my photos is that even when we are in our private moments, someone can be watching, especially in the subway.

In this photo, notice the lurking eye glancing in from behind the train car threshold.

Here is a photo of a man leaning on a column inside the subway. A pair of eyes "watches" him as he reads his papers.

Finally, here we have a young couple watched over by a friendly set of eyes. 

After Hours at Thomas Hunter

How thoroughly have you explored Thomas Hunter? In our last class, my pal Alex Martinez and I headed toward this intriguing building of Hunter College to begin our photo-capturing journey. After reaching our first destination—the 4^th floor—we spotted the traditional vinyl tiles lining the walls of the hallway, which echoed the sounds of the boisterous students enjoying their after-school activities.

All we had to do was poke our heads into the slightly opened doorways of the classrooms and we were instantly greeted by the club members. Here is a snapshot of two French Club members having a good old time probably laughing at a joke told by the kid whose back is to us.

Next, we traveled up the dusty, old staircases, which...

eventually led us to the roof!

And here is Alex posing as he fluidly scales one of the walls of the roof.

Making our way back down the dungeon-like staircases, and just before rushing back to class, we stopped by another floor in the Thomas Hunter building. On this floor we discovered a very talented dance team!

We watched them warm-up and then---

we caught them doing this awesome pose!

All in all, our trip revealed to us what Thomas Hunter has to offer. We saw both the up- beat mingling of students involved in clubs, as well as the barren areas, as we made our way through the no longer mysterious old building.

Artist Statement

Who isn’t influenced by photographs?If only we could spend hours staring at interesting people we see in our day-to-day lives, the people who trigger our curiosity,the people we want to be around—to touch, talk to, and mimic.  

Photographs are the key to maintaining that special recollection. Every angle, every expression, every focus that is conveyed through the photograph inspires the viewer.Photographs are memories;they exist so that we can refer to them whenever we choose to. 

My special interest is in fashion photography.Photography is vital to communicating fashion expression. I can appreciate all types of fashion photography—from the all- American style of Bruce Weber to the high fashion glamour of Hedi Slimane. The clothing,the accessories,the exoticness of the models and the locations all form a beautiful collaboration. What is extraneous to some may to me be essential in conveying the mystery of beauty that the model has to offer. Style, our own individual relationship to ourselves,is what forms from viewing fashion. What better way to capture that aesthetic than through photography?