Title – “Pillars of Maine”
Subject 1 – Produce; this series will focus on aperture techniques to create interesting fore- and backgrounds in photos of produce that is popular/available at this time of year.
Description: Produce such as squash, apples, and potatoes, are a staple in many Maine kitchens as the fall harvest starts to wind down. Farmers around the state put countless hours into sowing, growing and harvesting the foods that will eventually end up on the tables of people around the country. Many people don’t think about their food; where it comes from, how its grown, or even the visual aesthetics of the food they prepare and consume. But many fall foods can leave a rich visual impression. Pumpkins are known for their vivid orange color, and many people carve them or put them in pies. Even the seeds of pumpkins are used, sometimes roasted for snacks or set out to feed hungry animals. The pumpkin has become a captivating image of fall, and this photo series strives to present a unique perspective on the beauty of fall produce. By using a wide aperture and moving myself around the produce, I am hoping to capture unique perspectives that show naturally occurring symmetry, patterns or shapes in the produce I photograph.
Subject 2 – Farm stands; this series will focus on framing techniques to capture moments in the lives of people who run/work at farm stands, such as at the Orono Farmers Market.
Description: Farm stands are an important way in which farmers are able to share and sell their produce to local markets. In recent years, and especially because of the COVID-19 outbreak, people have come to rely on local farmers. Many people buy locally grown produce as an effort to support local, but others buy local because of the quality of products that they get. The people who run these stands are artisans in their own – they carefully curate the produce that they sell as part of their livelihood. Farm stands often have their own personalities, influenced by the people who work at them. In Maine, farm stands are a staple of small-town culture, where you can often see stands as you drive through places in Penobscot and Aroostook county. By using framing techniques, such as the rule of thirds, I am hoping to be able to capture the unique personalities of farm stands, and their relationship to the products that they carry.