Eternally Conflicted

Couple of weeks ago I found the blog “Ground Glass” by photographer Cara Phillips and ran across a post of hers (as well as one by Andrew Hetherington) that reminded me of a “feel good moment” I experienced earlier this year.

Every year, a local non-profit sponsors a t-shirt decorating table to raise awareness on sexual assault for what is called “The Clothesline Project”. A booth at the junior college was set up for people to drop-in and I was supposed to get a picture or two for a story.

Anyway, long story short, I basically formated the storage card in the camera when I shouldn’t have and lost all the images. Stupid mistake that was more annoying than anything. The photos were not all that great to begin with, so I wasn’t heartbroken. Still, I felt like an idiot.

So I go back the next day because the booth was going to be up for a few days and this time a student actually came by to decorate a t-shirt; something that failed to happen the previous day.

I chat with her for a few minutes and find out she herself was a victim of sexual assault at a young age. She didn’t really go into details, but she had a lot of good things to say about staying positive in life, considering what she’s been through.

“I wanted to be part of the prayer to end sexual assault,” she said. “I’m not ashamed anymore, it’s not my fault and I’m still standing.”

At that point I was just thankful for not only having the second chance to get a photo for the story, but also for meeting someone who is a real inspiration.

And thankful, once again, that I am a photographer.

Took this portrait of a high-jumper for a story on him before heading off to the state finals. Had him use a track & field measuring tape to illustrate his personal record.

Something about his backyard was cool. Lots of weird stuff leftover from a previous property owner. Saw the sun coming through the trees and totally bit the idea that others have done.