This project began as my final assignment for my film photography course in school. It was a completely independent project, and I made the choice of focusing on different forms of societal oppression, by way of the negative comments that we hear every day (in the main sectors of sexism, beauty standards, mental health stigma, and racism). I wanted my project to have a purpose. I chose to do my project digitally because I feel that these are not black and white issues, and I wanted to symbolize that in my work.
Every single comment pictured is something that a model or someone who wished to remain anonymous has actually received, and was submitted through a survey that I spread through social media for people to fill out (feel free to still do it!). All models are my peers or teachers, and thus the title "From the Horse's Mouth" - these are normal people sharing things that they - and we all - have been subjected to at some point in normal, every day life. And also, quite possibly, things that we say without even realizing how harmful of an effect it could have.
However, my intention is not to upset my viewers, but rather to increase awareness about the impact of our words, because often, we don't realize the power of the things we say on a daily basis. Being a passionate feminist, I also incorporated feminism into my project because I feel as though the term "feminism" has been pushed into a very negative, radical connotation recently, and so I wanted to highlight the ways that all people do, in fact, need feminism in their day-to-day lives. I also tried to incorporate some more light-hearted and fun photographs because again, this is not meant to be desolating. This project was meant to also showcase the strength of all the regular people that you and I pass by every day in continuing onward no matter what, though we may not even realize that they, too, are fighting something. The feminism section ends with very positive and empowering images, and I even included a picture of my adorable puppy at the end in hopes that you will end with a smile!
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I received an overwhelming number of survey responses (almost 150 people), with over 80 people willing to model. Due to time constraints, I have not yet been able to photograph every single person or every single quote, and I have thus compiled a list of the various statements that were submitted through my survey, for anyone that would like to read through them. I do want to continue adding to this project though, so please keep checking back here for more periodically!
Every single comment pictured is something that a model or someone who wished to remain anonymous has actually received, and was submitted through a survey that I spread through social media for people to fill out (feel free to still do it!). All models are my peers or teachers, and thus the title "From the Horse's Mouth" - these are normal people sharing things that they - and we all - have been subjected to at some point in normal, every day life. And also, quite possibly, things that we say without even realizing how harmful of an effect it could have.
However, my intention is not to upset my viewers, but rather to increase awareness about the impact of our words, because often, we don't realize the power of the things we say on a daily basis. Being a passionate feminist, I also incorporated feminism into my project because I feel as though the term "feminism" has been pushed into a very negative, radical connotation recently, and so I wanted to highlight the ways that all people do, in fact, need feminism in their day-to-day lives. I also tried to incorporate some more light-hearted and fun photographs because again, this is not meant to be desolating. This project was meant to also showcase the strength of all the regular people that you and I pass by every day in continuing onward no matter what, though we may not even realize that they, too, are fighting something. The feminism section ends with very positive and empowering images, and I even included a picture of my adorable puppy at the end in hopes that you will end with a smile!
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I received an overwhelming number of survey responses (almost 150 people), with over 80 people willing to model. Due to time constraints, I have not yet been able to photograph every single person or every single quote, and I have thus compiled a list of the various statements that were submitted through my survey, for anyone that would like to read through them. I do want to continue adding to this project though, so please keep checking back here for more periodically!