‘The Weight’: A project
In the grand scheme of photography, I believe each photographer should find a niche; and they should strive toward mastery therein. But I also believe each photographer should seek some sense of continuity. This may come in the form of a landscape photographer solely photographing mountains, or a street photographer focusing only on reflections and shadows. In the realm of portraiture, where it’s just you, the model, and a camera, I believe there needs to be something more. A challenge. At this stage in my journey of creating art portraits, I believe an ongoing project has finally made its way to the surface of my mind. And that is what this post is all about.
While there are myriad photographers who deal with heavy subjects such as grief and self-love in their photographic projects, I have not personally seen a project that delves into individuals’ mental unrest. This is not to say such an idea would be trailblazing, but I would like to think it will be unique enough. I have been talking over, with a close friend, details of how I would want to approach shooting such an idea. Should there be a controlled, static layout of how each shoot should go? Should each shoot look and feel the same? The answer is… no. No two people experience the same trauma and unrest beneath the surface. And I want to bring these unique struggles to light by constructing photoshoots based around said mental unrest. This kind of a project can seem daunting, challenging, and divisive. But I trust my art, and I feel I can bring justice to an individual’s pains and uncertainties.
Consider this blog post a pitch. To you. To someone you know. To anyone who would feel comfortable stepping in front of my lens and creating something achingly beautiful.
The idea is this: I would like to meet with models, individuals who have yet to model, or even photographers not afraid of stepping on the other side of the camera. I would like to have an open discussion about what may plague you, eat at you, or haunt you. And I would like to turn that pain into beauty. I would like to structure and theme a photoshoot around your unique pain. If you struggle with anger, we can create something with fire and smolder. If you struggle with body positivity, we can create something with mirrors and staunchness. The one linking image between photoshoots would be a single frame with multiple versions of yourself expressing different emotions. This post’s cover image is an example of said image.
This ongoing project will be titled “The Weight”. So what is the weight holding you down?
If this project sounds like something you would be interested in, DM me on Instagram (@balakay_snaps) or email me at blake.anderson@balakaysnaps.com.
