Simplicity at its best
There is just something about simple shots. One of my favorite photographers, Richard Avedon, was know for his minimalist style. He had a gift for capturing the very essence of a person in one shot. For me, photography is not about fancy equipment, cool lighting, and interesting backgrounds. It is about the relationship between you and the people in your photographs. If you had one photograph of yourself to show the world how would you want it to look? How would you want people to perceive you? These are the questions I ask myself and the people I photograph. Enjoy some very simple photographs of some very amazing people.
-Jackie
Have your cake and eat it too
It is a couple months into the semester and things are going great! I wanted to try my hand at some food photography a few weeks ago so I joined up with my friend Jacob Howe to create some mouth-watering images. Jacob is a student at Iowa State and a natural in the kitchen. I had a great time photographing (and eating) the final project. The recipe for the “Outstanding Coconut Cream Meringue Cake” can be found in the magazine Fine Cooking (issue 102, page 80).
My hero
“‘There is no such thing as great things, only small things done with great love.’ Father Jerry borrowed these words from Mother Teresa to describe the man that lay before him. His voice echoed to the far corners of the church and nestled in the ears of a hundred or so somber people. He continued to create a picture of the man with descriptions of his quiet and laidback manner and the simplicity that had surrounded his life. As modest as the man’s life had been it was obvious by the crowd that he had touched many people’s hearts. That man was my father.”
This paragraph was part of an autobiography I had to write for class a year ago. I chose to start the story of my life with this memory because this was the moment things clicked for me. The photo above is of my dad. He was diagnosed with cancer a couple years ago and died shortly after. During one of my last conversations with him I vowed to him that I would someday change the world.While my goals are sky high, Mother Teresa’s words have kept me grounded.
My interest in photography began when I was really little and since then it has developed into a passion for telling stories. I’m not great with words but through my experiences and my education I am building the skill set to tell stories through visuals. This is my plan to change the world. Here’s to you Dad.
-Jackie
Some people get new cars during their mid-life crisis, some start up hobbies, others get a new job. My parents had me.
All stories start somewhere. My beginning was a surprise. I like to think those are the best kind. They are the type of beginnings that you can’t avoid. They allow you to discover strength, passion, and ability you never knew you had.
I’m starting this blog to not only to showcase my portfolio, but also to share my dreams and inspirations. Ever since I could remember I’ve always dreamed of doing great things. Since then I’ve been thrust into new beginnings, planned and unexpected, and although my dreams have changed my ambitions have not.
I hope you enjoy reading what I have to say and seeing what I have to share. I’m looking forward to hear what you think.
-Jackie
