I embarked on a journey to photo school, and now I find myself immersed in the world of reporting, documenting my exhilarating travels across the globe. Through this experience, I’ve come to realize that the power of an image doesn’t solely depend on the subject. Rather, I harness the ability to infuse my emotions into my photographs, ultimately enhancing their impact and evoking a strong emotional response.
When I was at a low point in my life, my father introduced me to the art of photography. At that time, I had just graduated from high school and was residing in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas. The disbandment of my band left me feeling void, and I craved a creative outlet to rejuvenate my soul. It was during this period that my father paid me a visit, armed with his camera. Little did I know that this encounter would ignite a flame within me for capturing moments through the lens.
That very weekend, I fell head over heels in love with photography, and in the years that ensued, I pursued my passion through formal education at photo school. My father continued to grace me with his presence, always bringing along his beloved camera.
On one of those occasions, I accompanied him to the Texas State Capitol in Austin. It was there that I captured the image you see above, and my father inquired about my decision to include a garbage can in the frame. I explained to him that in my eyes, the garbage can was not simply a receptacle for waste, just as the man depicted was not merely a man, and the leaves were not ordinary foliage. In that moment, I conveyed to him that everything in this world is composed of lines, shapes, colors, and light. By perceiving photography through this lens, pun intended, one can create truly unique and profound images.
Years later, while I was studying the History of Photography, I delved into the works of William Eggleston, an artist whose “democratic” approach to photography deeply resonated with me. Eggleston believed in dismissing any hierarchical structure when it came to selecting subjects for his photographs. In his book, “The Democratic Forest,” he expressed that no particular subject was more or less important than another. Inspired by this ideology, I began implementing it into my own photographic documentation of Western American landscapes. Instead of conferring significance to the subjects themselves, I chose to empower my landscapes with my own emotions, allowing them to dictate the narrative.
Allow me to illustrate this concept through an example. The images above are part of a larger project I titled “Thank you from half of my heart”. This series paired photographs captured during a traumatic road trip through Western America with images taken during my healing process in Guam. The top image encapsulates a sense of anxiety and confinement, as I felt trapped alongside a dangerous individual. The piercing tips of the trees mirror my worries, while the narrow path represents the limited space to breathe. This composition presents a simplistic yet potent depiction of how I viewed the person I found myself entangled with.
Conversely, the bottom image signifies rejuvenation and growth. It radiates a refreshing vibrancy, with the focused plant symbolizing new life, embraced and shielded by the surrounding leaves and trees. This photograph evokes a feeling of safety and tranquility, a stark contrast to the previous image.
Although my current role as a photojournalist at Insider necessitates a more structured approach, where subjects take precedence in my photographs, I still find ways to infuse emotion into my work. In some of my recent favorite captures, I’ve managed to strike a balance between highlighting the subject and evoking a powerful feeling simultaneously.
Take, for instance, the image below, where I become the subject within the cramped confines of a sleeper train cabin. Through the use of a high-angled, wide lens, as well as my facial expression, I convey the sensation of being confined, amplifying the feeling of claustrophobia.
On my return journey, I opted for a larger train bedroom, providing a more spacious and relaxing environment. The subsequent image portrays a sense of ease and comfort, an accurate depiction of how I felt within the room.
Regardless of the subject matter, I firmly believe that every photograph has the potential to evoke emotions. It is through the creative and intentional use of composition, lighting, and perspective that the photographer can transcend mere depiction and truly encapsulate a profound sentiment.
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