In addition to doing a ton of shooting, we looked at the work of UTA BARTH and WILLIAM CHRISTENBERRY. At first glance, I did not care for either photographer but, once we learned more about them and studied their images, they grew on me.
Both artists stayed in their own neighborhoods, photographing only what was most familiar to them. As a person who is frustrated by staying in one place and focusing on a single thing, this was totally out of my element. It brought me out of my comfort zone and forced me to see this whole other world of photo opportunity.
There is something about the simplicity and ambiguity of the images taken by Barth that makes each person have their own unique interpretation and feeling of what they're looking at.
On the surface, Barth's work isn't the most beautiful. It doesn't make any sense when in relation to journalism. But truly, documentation in photography doesn't have to make sense and it doesn't have to be beautiful. Barth's photos remind me of Pablo Neruda's poetry (in style, not in subject). She strings together images in a way that makes you feel something. You don't know exactly what it is you're feeling but somewhere a rhythm is formed and an weird blanketed emotion pops up and makes you fall in love with her work.
With this in mind. I went out and tried to shoot with more intention and not so much of the usual chaotic shooting method I am so used to.
HERE is something different (for me):
Also, HERE is a gallery of portraits I took within about a month.
http://www.hilaryswift.com/#!/portfolio/G0000qNqp7wltkcs
