The well-known photographer, Elliott Erwitt, once said, “Photography is an art of observation. It has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.” I like to look. And I like to embrace the reality that things are not always what they appear to be. A smiling face may mask a heart that is broken; a perfectly positioned product may conceal the fact that its performance will not be as promised.
The white face-paint fought against the torrent of sweat dripping from underneath the blue wig. My accentuating fake eyelashes were no match for my ruby red lipstick. The skewed hat, with rainbow polka dots, added the perfect touch to my clown costume.
I’m sorry to say I am not joining the circus. My AP Photography class was recently assigned the individual task of shooting in the style of a famous photographer. I chose the one known for images where she masquerades as different people, Cindy Sherman. For me, it was hilarious dressing up and self-shooting in contrived situations. It was all make-believe and fun but when I looked at the pictures I thought to myself, “Is that really me?” I was shocked to see my reflection in different guises when I knew the real me was nothing like the people in the pictures.
Viewing life from multiple angles led to my interest in photography, and now, my picture-taking has evolved into a serious study of my perception of the world. Photography is the tool I use to both see and interact with life and to understand how others bring different perspectives to the images I take. It allows me to express my appreciation for the spontaneity of living: the good and the bad, the joys and the sorrows.
When I am out photographing, people sometimes pause and look what I am shooting; maybe a building, tall or short; a street scene, quiet or crowded; a face, with a smile or a frown. I know they often wonder what I am seeing as each person looks at the same scene in different ways. A blank brick wall to one viewer is a richly textured mosaic to another.
Photography also forces me to interact with people in ways that my friendly, but shy nature would not otherwise allow. It takes a little nerve and trust to walk up to a stranger and ask, “Will you let me take their picture?” Most people are surprisingly willing to accommodate my request, though I have had occasions where I wished I hadn’t asked. Still, I do love the experience of being in a crowded city and recording the actions of those around me and for that moment, sharing the experience.
Dressing as a clown wasn’t the only mimicking work of Cindy’s I did. My final portrait was of my bare skin, in regular clothes, looking directly into the light. When I came across this portrait during the editing process, I thought to myself, ‘this is who I am, this is real.’ I do not need to hide behind any mask. I feel comfortable in front of as well as behind the camera.
Projects such as these have reinforced my interest in photography and my enthusiasm for a world that is not always as it seems. That’s not a bad thing; it’s just the way things are and have always been. And as I go through life I will remember that, while a picture may say a thousand words, each person’s eye sees a different story.
