Final Project - Tamyra Thompson

Artist Statement 

  

The Walk combines various roads and paths with the undefined presence of myself and my perceptions. The purpose of The Walk is to put emphasis on the significant role that our past experiences have in shaping our perceptions of the present. I have found that in my own life certain events have stuck with me and caused me to see the world through the emotions associated with these occurrences. I believe every individual experiences this phenomenon in one way or another. Through these images, I hope to convey the connection of the past and present by portraying the significance of the journey itself. In many ways, these images signify my own life and depict a few specific events that have had substantial impacts on me, but my hope is that others are able to feel the emotion behind these photographs and relate them to their own walks in life. 

  

Process 

The photos in this series were taken using a slow shutter speed in order to capture the beauty of movement created by the walking motion. Although this was the fundamental technique used in the making of these photos, the placement and movement of the camera itself varied throughout the course of shooting and was ultimately the defining aspect of these images. 

There were two major procedures used to capture these images. For the first of these methods, the camera was positioned behind me as I moved away from where it stood. This put emphasis on the path itself as well as the details of the stepping motion. In the second process, the camera was held at eye level as I walked the same paths as those portrayed in the images captured using the previous method. The purpose of this second process was to draw attention toward the perspectives and emotions associated with the walk rather than merely the physical presence.