Untitled © Laura Hughes

Erika © Laura Hughes

The first image of this small series is of a woman who I am unfamiliar with, even now, with whom I had seen at a children's benefit that Mayor Tom Barrett had been asked to speak for on behalf of The Wisconsin Conservatory of Music. I had been asked to take photographs of the event and while the Mayor was delivering his speech, this woman was of equal interest to me. Perhaps it was the way she was sitting, the subtle lighting, or her expression, but I was intrigued enough to capture the moment and went back to my duties.

The second photograph is that of my best friend, Erika. We met at an art High School and were always joined at the hip. I am the most comfortable around her as I am my immediate family, if not more, even after not seeing each other for a longer period of time. After High School we went from seeing each other all the time, even on the weekends, to a very limited amount due to my school commitments. This image was taken in the photo studio at MIAD during a break in-between photo-shooting, and I believe it fairly accurately represents how we are when we are in the same vicinity. The environment I most see her in these days is the photo studio, so I believe this is fitting within the 'environmental portrait' parameters.

Some could argue that the first image, though I don't know the individual, is more "real" than the image of Erika. I think they both are very real moments, but when I was inconspicuously in the background for the first photograph, I was able to capture a much more unplanned occurrence, whereas the other is of my best friend being aware of my camera and making a silly face at me. I think it is still very personal, as she is still in direct eye contact with me through the lens, and we were sharing our fun times together.

Great Shot: David Maisel

The Lake Project 23 ©David Maisel

David Maisel captures beauty and chaos with his aerial photographs of The Great Salt Lakes in the series 'The Lake Project'. In 'The Lake Project' series, and other series available on his website, Maisel deals with the underlying disaster that is Human intrusion in the natural environment. These intrusions include mining, clearcut logging, firestorms, etc. All of these actions have a great effect on these landscapes that Maisel photographs. These environmental changes often leave behind significant amounts of destruction in their wake, which in time reveal unnatural or uprooted substances that tamper with the existing landscape. Such substances often include cyanide, calcium deposits, and various minerals that have been unnaturally brought to the surface, therefore changing the aesthetic of the landscape. His subject is ever-changing.

I find myself continuously drawn to images that are aesthetically beautiful, yet at the same time, dysfunctional, disastrous, etc. I feel that behind most things beautiful, there is a complexity much deeper and even darker than the surface reveals. I think most of Maisel's photographs are serving just as much a political statement, as they are showing just how beautiful the landscape is in wonderful detail and composition. They almost look like minimalist paintings. Mark Rothko is a minimalist painter whose work comes to mind when I look at Maisel's vibrant colors, interesting patterns and compositions.

More work by David Maisel can be found on his website, www.davidmaisel.com

Untitled © Laura Hughes

Between work and classes I had very little free time this summer. I continue to be intrigued by clouds and water. Wind creates similar effects on both; moments of absolute clarity instantly changed by the newly-obscured sun or by sand swirled up by a paddling foot or hungry fish. When clouds reflect on water, the senses awaken to multi-tiered awareness rippling clouds, ebb and flow, glowing sun, and whispering wind.

My thoughts were also drawn to bodies of water--lakes and ponds, and also to the amazing stories found in rain puddles and urban streams. I took this photo in the fishpond at Boerner Botanical Gardens--a manmade construction that is teeming with unanticipated life and unexpected objects.

I recently purchased a wacom tablet and have begun experimenting with blending other media into my photographs. I hope to explore this mixed media approach further during the school year.