Exploring and Developing Photographic Concepts

Written Statement

Anne Werner

Family through friendship was the underlying theme in my photographic series. My theme Family through friendship works to explore the humorous simplicity and effortless comfort involved in my actual relationships with my close friends photographed. I chose this theme because I am so grateful to have such a healthy and easygoing relationship with my friends. I grew up with a heap of parental drama and emotional instability, and I can’t help but feel that the civil relationship my family has now is simply forced. To me, this sense of inorganic happiness is easily recognizable in most of the photos in my family albums. I feel that the chemistry between my friends and I are directly related to the beautiful photographs. Emmet Gowin is the source of my inspiration. I attended his lecture this spring and learned that he also struggled to maintain a comfortable relationship with his family, especially his father. His father was very adamant about Emmet studying Religion; so consequentially, was disappointed in his decision to instead study photography. The main subjects of Emmet’s photographic portraiture series feature his wife, children, and grandchildren. In an interview, Emmet says, “Through my marriage to Edith Morris, in 1964, 1 entered into a family freshly different from my own. I admired their simplicity and generosity, and thought of the pictures I made as agreements. I wanted to pay attention to the body and personality that had agreed out of love to reveal itself. My attention was a natural duty which could honor that love”. Clearly, Emmet appreciates the relationships he has with his new family for the same reasons I appreciate my relationship with my friends. I was inspired by his special attention to contrast and shadow, his choice of black and white photography, and of course, his capturing of simple yet intense and candid daily events. While I turned my photos to black and white, tweaked the contrast, sought interesting shadows, and photographed the beauty of those I love and care about, my style is slightly different from Emmet’s. I chose to include myself in some of these photographs (by using a tripod) because I thought it was important to analyze the fluidity of my body language with my friends. Also, unlike Emmet, most of my photographs are not candid. Some photographs are posed to enhance the artistic and creative quality. In all, I am so glad that this project allowed me to reflect on my appreciation I have for my friendships. Expressing my gratitude I have for these healthy, fresh, and comfortable relationships through photography is effortless. As an introvert, I was able to fruitfully unleash my emotions through this photo assignment. Enthused by Emmet Gowin’s photographic style, I knew exactly how to enhance the quality and meaning of my images.

Oddly enough, this photograph perfectly captures the essence of the relationship my friends and I have. For example, the positioning of our bodies says a lot, as we stand side by side to support each other. We face the camera, symbolizing our openness to each other. Yet our bodies are slightly shifted in our own ways, symbolizing the uniqueness of our personalities. And finally, our hair, symbolizes our lightheartedness, confidence, and overall goofiness. 

Meet Sara. Not kidding, she walked over to me and said, "Annie, look at this acorn!" and held it in front of her face, perfectly resembling a little piglet. Sadly, I wasn't 'camera ready', so I had to have her repose so that I could capture this moment. This photograph of Sara perfectly captures what I like to call her 'breeziness'. She brings me genuine happiness simply through her presence and corkiness.

This group photograph wasn't intentionally taken to capture any particular meaning, however now that I look at it I can see the direct correlation between this photo and our friendship. Sara draping her body over the trash can before us resembles the idea that any one of us would put ourselves in vulnerable situations to stand up for each other.

This is a photo of Sara and me. I met her this year and feel like I have known her my entire life. We stand straight with the self-confidence we've built over our lives, heads back with a sense of relief and appreciation of our relationship, and hands intertwined knowing that we understand each other and will support each other.

This photograph captures my dear friend Tori's love for adventure, stability, and simplicity. Tori is definitely one of the most powerful people I know, as she is always looking to better herself, climbing her way up to a peaceful and happy personal and worldly perspective. It is her string of continuous thoughts, the sweetness of her soul, and her coy confidence that I love most about her. 

Completing this series is a candid photograph of my friends Sara and Peppiina. This photograph explores the idea that these friendships liberate us to a calm and and enjoyable state of being. Refreshing and authentic, my friends balance my life.