Memories are often forgotten and seconds are often missed. As an aspiring young artist, I think of my photography as a way to capture the small details that are overlooked or taken for granted. The eight specific pieces I chose for this portfolio are the best moments of my travels and the unique environment of each city. Although each photo is taken in a different place, together they tell a story of undiscovered places.

When I show my work I hope that people can react to the message behind the photo. I hope that the viewer looks deeper into the meaning of the photos and that at least one of the pieces resonates. For example, in my photo Boy in Siena, I want people to look at the rich contrast between the reds and greens in the young boy’s costume. The Palio is weeklong festival that the people of Siena celebrate as if it were our Super Bowl. It is a tradition that is passed down through each generation. When looking at the boy I want my viewer to notice his soft, adolescent look and take an interest in the tradition behind the Palio de Siena. Success to me means having at least one photo that can move a person in multiple ways. Either by giving them inspiration to create something of their own, share what they have learned, or connect to a deeper emotion that only they can understand. I want to influence someone to go out of his or her way to learn more about the places that surround him or her and soak in all of the information they can. Each city has a specific key that makes it different, making it beautiful in its own unique way.

The arts have always played a major role in my life, whether it is performing a cello concerto in front of hundreds or showcasing various photos in a community gallery. I believe that the arts allow us to connect with the unlimited power of our creativity and imagination. Music allows me to put sound to my unspoken emotions and photography allows me to make my abstract ideas into a physical creation. It is my way to share what I learn and love with others. I want to keep the arts just where it is now: a power, which can revive me without the obligation to analyze it.