Final Images

‘Getting Ready’
This photo represents high school senior girls getting ready for their last homecoming dance. I shot it showing the girls doing their hair, one of their dresses hanging up waiting to be put on and trophies earned; using the mirror to capture the feelings and emotions of them as they were preparing for the dance.
The thought behind the photo to me is the apprehension, nervousness and single-mindedness of preparing for one of their last important events in their high school years. I was sitting in the room listening to the girls talk, watching them get ready and wanted to capture the innocence of the ritual that most every young girl goes through in her life.
I used the mirror to capture the event so that I wasn’t intruding on their thoughts, so they didn’t feel compelled to pose. I had not tried to photograph from this perspective before and I learned that you can capture much more feeling or depth in the emotions shown.
My goal in this photograph was to personify the life of a teenager through the reflection of the mirror as well as chronicle an event for my daughter’s review later.
This is my first photography class and I haven’t really studied anyone’s art to compare it to so I don’t have anyone that I would be able to name but using the mirror creates another level to photography and while it’s not new to everyone, it is different for me. The picture reflects the insecurities of being a teenager, the importance of being accepted by your peers as well as the need to choose the right dress and having your hair and makeup just right for your own self esteem.