Seeing Yourself in Beauty and in Decay...Photographer Ricky Davis
Seeing yourself in the Beauty and the Decay – By Ricky Davis
Back in 2013, I began a series which I titled Beauty in the Decay. I had been inspired by the work of the amazing Karen Jerzyk who goes into abandoned buildings and shoots nude models. The work is mind blowing and very powerful. Now I don’t shoot nude models, the most that I shoot is implied, but I really liked the idea of doing a series that pits beauty in the midst of decay, from my perspective. I feel that this can open up a lot of questions. What is beauty, really what is decay?
I shot two photos for the series in 2013, and none in 2014. I got a little off track. Recently I decided I wanted to began it again and had the opportunity to work with the amazing Liz Price for a new image to add into it.
A few weeks ago I posted the image above on Facebook and Instagram and I asked the question of what people feel, or what are their thoughts regarding what’s happening in the photo. I held my own opinion back until now. I wanted to share a few of the responses that I received about this photo.
“She feels alone in a society that says her body doesn’t fit the standards for beautiful.” Amanda C.
“Longing for her dreams, hope that’s lost” Carol Ann M.
“She’s feeling embarrassed or shunned. Lack of confidence, yearning to be accepted.” Kellie H.
“I see someone who has hit rock bottom, and this is the moment she decides to take her life back!
I feel like her thoughts are, “screw the world! Wait until they see what I have coming for them!” (In a positive sense)
For me, it seems like a moment of transformation!” Trevor L.
“Remembering what once was…” Christy G.
” I see someone reflecting waiting for a change who is to know if it is good or bad” Kennedy G.
“Loneliness looking out into the darkness for a single ray of light.” Gregory A.
Those were responses on Facebook, here’s some of what people on Instagram had to say.
“A very foreboding, dark, & sinister look. Emotionally I’m intrigued on what the subject sees outside the window.” VIntageterrance
“I feel sad. I feel like she got left at the alter and she is soo misrable she still has on her wedding crenlen slip, and is staring outside waiting for her groom to show up…..” Mrsham1993
“To me it feels forlorn…like she’s waiting on someone who never came” DarthCrowe
As I started reading the comments as they were being posted, the thought resonated with me, especially as I knew a few of the people commenting, with things that were going on in their lives. They weren’t necessarily just viewing Liz as a model in some far off photograph, some were seeing themselves in her place. My idea was justified a few minutes later when Carol Ann commented ” You know, after reading everyone’s response, I think that our critique is how we actually feel unsure emoticon or maybe it’s just me.”
So what is the purpose of art? Sometimes I think it’s helpful for us to grow and to sort through things that we are dealing with when we can step out of ourselves and see it in third person. Much the way that some were able to step into Liz’s position and relate.
For me, this photograph is a symbol of hope and beauty. Yes, the room is trashed, and it’s dark and bleak. Yes, she’s not airbrushed, liquified, and the like. It’s gritty and the location doesn’t seem too inviting. The curtains to the window are drawn, except for where she’s holding them apart. She’s not looking behind her at the disheveled mess that’s in the past, but she’s looking forward through the window into what’s to come. Too often we focus on the distractions around us instead of looking ahead. We don’t know what’s to come, but we already know what’s behind us. That’s what it makes me feel anyway.
I hope that you like the image and will stay tuned for more.
Ricky
If you’d like to work with me, trd@trdphotography.com
Abandoned Places - Oh My! TRD Photography & Liz Price
Abandoned Places -
Recently I had the opportunity to work with a killer model that I hadn't seen in quite a few years. She was getting ready to leave for Italy but reached out to me because of this insane location. It was such a pleasure to reconnect and make some killer work with Liz in this amazing location.
What type of abadoned places would you like to visit? Are you interested more for thrill seeking or the history? I personally don't shoot in as many abandoned type locations as I would like. I love the atmosphere and the historical aspect of these places. You can almost feel the life forms around you. I'd love to do more but I try to always get permission beforehand.
Be sure to stay tuned for more from this set! This is just a sampling of what's to come. I'm based in the Chattanooga, TN area and if anyone knows of any locations or would like to book a shoot with me. Feel free to shoot me an email. I'd love to work with you!
RIcky
trd@trdphotography.com
Photo of the Day - Leighann Word & TRD Photography
Photo of the Day - 6/9/2014
Apparently, it's gotten to the point that I'm only gonna be able to share a few of my photos on Facebook going forward, as anything with shadows gets pixelated beyond recognition. So good news, it means I'll be sharing more here on my blog, which in reality I should be doing anyway.
Here's a sneak peek from a set I did recently with my pal Leighann Word. This set is going to be insane! This is a raw image, no photoshop except for b&w conversion.
As always, to book me, just shoot me an email to trd@trdphotography.com I'd love to work with you.
Behind the Scenes at a TRD Photography Event
BTS at the Feb 22nd Blowout...
On February 22nd we offered a special event at the TRD Photography studio. We'd done some renovating and decided to celebrate by offering a big discount day. We had a great day with seven ladies booking slots. It got extremely hectic and I didn't get to video as much as I had planned, but we put together some short clips as well as some of the edited images from several of the ladies to kinda give a glimpse into the day.
I wanna thank my pal, Raven Lee, for assisting me that day. She was a huge help. Raven and I have a special video project of our own that'll be debuting here in the near future. Check out some of the final product below of several of the amazing ladies I got to work with that day!
much love and thanks for all the continued support,
Ricky
www.trdphotography.com - www.facebook.com/trdphotography
IG - Twiiter - Pinterest - @trd_photography - Chattanooga, TN
