In January I entered a National Geography contest (link is here). It was my first photography contest and yes I didn’t win but the project gave me invaluable lessons trying to create a story using photographs. Below is my essay and captions attached to the pictures.

[box] My interest in photography began with my first film camera when I was 16 years old. While in college my mom gave me a cheap digital camera for Christmas, and I never put it down. When I got married I splurged on a DSLR with wedding money. I have always been interested in the arts.

Creating and appreciating the beauties in ordinary days of life is a simple pleasure of mine. Since getting a DSLR I have been teaching myself photography. I love studying culture through experience. Photography forces the artist to focus on the truth of that moment. My hope is for others to enjoy my photos and see that which could be easily overlooked in the swift passing of time.

I owe it to the world to mature as a photographer. Souls are changed when they see the story a good photographer captures. From the scholarship I hope to gain knowledge that can only be learned through walking with a professional and further develop my creative style. My heart’s desire is to tell vivid personal stories through my lens, while sharing love and truth with the subject of my art.[/box]

 

 

Immortalizing the “Change Dynasty”

The skeletal rawness of Yugu’an Temple’s construction site in Qingdao, China is captivating.

 All big things are built by many small steps. This man has a key role in the foundations of the temple. His only job was to sift the grainy dirt, preparing a vital ingredient for this temple’s recipe.

Chinese construction workers use few machines. Putting the metal slabs in the truck required eight men’s strength. Their hard labor is creating a legacy for the future visitors of Yugu’an Temple.

 Migrant workers leave their families behind to find work in the city. This man’s face appears to be painted with emotion as he looks out beyond. Perhaps he is lonely and missing his family, or feeling emptiness from monotonous work.

These men are sacrificing their lives to make history. Centuries from now this temple will still be standing. People will appreciate the art these men created through Yugu’an Temple, forever immortalizing the “Change Dynasty”.

 

If you too are a photographer, do you have any recommendations on some contest I could enter?