Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

16th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
Sanjana

This piece reflects my experience in high school and the lesson I have learned from a deteriorating relationship. I began photographing friends in their bedrooms with the absence of a full face. Without these facial features, viewers are unable to see the entire figure, suggesting the idea that we do not reveal our true selves. By choosing to photograph in bedrooms, I am able to illustrate a controlled personality the person in the image has created. Based on the objects thrown on floors or posters pinned on walls, assumptions can be made about the figure. These surrounding details are what each individual uses to portray themselves. Sanjana enjoys watching Friends, receives awards, and sleeps abundantly. Although these attributions are all true, there is much more to her than that. High school has brought me to the conclusion that personalities do not change, we slowly learn more about each individual that we choose to surround ourselves with.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 05.2018
Date Uploaded: 11.2018
Photo Location: Massachusetts, United States of America
Camera: NIKON D3200
Copyright: © Jessica James