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"Knot of Life" "Trapped"


As I started walking through the forest, a knot of vines grabbed my attention. I wandered off the path to this cluster and tangled life form and began shooting. I looked up to see my friends had wandered farther up the path to the parking lot. "This was the last real time spent with these guys", I thought to myself. The pandemic was on its march in the U.S. and no one knew what to expect. Our loved ones and friends are now separated for some time, with an uncertainty of tomorrow over our heads. This photo reminds me that no matter how far apart or close, every single one of us is connected. We may take different paths like a vine as it snakes up a tree,  but we all have one meeting place. In the center of the knot of life.


Day 29: The rain continued to pour outside my window, thunder bellowed overhead. I stared out into our porched in hot tub and greenhouse. The purple lights reflected back toward me with a shimmer as rain streaked down panes of glass. My play station turned on and I turned my head towards my tv. The plastic that keeps the drafty window sealed shut in the winter caught my eye. I stood up and backed up. I took the shot, and chuckled to myself. I feel like I'm inside the fishbowl looking out. Trapped inside for seemed like an eternity, I knew that this was the feeling so many people feel.

Comments

  1. Spencer that first image paired with the writing is really strong and relatable. I had the same thought around that time, knowing that this day which should've been like any other day, was actually the last time I might be around a group of people that have become such familiar faces in my life. It was a very sudden shift to say the least. The way you interpret the movement within that image and relate it to the writings seems like a great process for yourself, I definitely encourage you to pair the photographs with journal entries in the future if you feel like pursuing it more! With the second image, the colors work really well with the low lighting. Compositionally speaking I think there's a little too much negative space and I get a little lost figuring out the image as a result, but striking a balance between that darkness and the light within the image would make this photograph look awesome.

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  2. I feel like the first image was framed very well and the color is great. I enjoy reading what you have written along with these images. In the bottom one, I was sort of confused looking at it. I think getting a closer up shot of the window/purple light would make it easier to read, but also still interesting to look at!

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  3. Spencer, it's awesome to see that you're writing along with your photomaking! Keeping a journal, especially during times such as these, is important. Since beginning one myself I have found that it helps not only to keep my mind straight but there is a correlation between those thoughts and the photographs I've made as well. I know that you have a passion for the outdoors and capturing subjects in them, this situation has to a bummer as you may not able to go out as much as you would like. It will be interesting to see how your writing and photography grow together! I can't wait to see more from you!

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