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PHOTO SERIES: razzle dazzle rose

Feb. 15, 2018
Avatar kelli mcguire.jpg2287684c 3338 42c1 a9e4 23842bf3ecad

I have a fixation on light and color. I have a synesthetic reaction to vivid, saturated light. Whether it’s a rectangle of warm light plastered against my wall in July, golden-hour sunbeams shining through raggedy tinsel stuck on a fence, or glowy Christmas lights against dusk, light has an effect on me. This series explores my fascination with light in a personal way. For most of my life, I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression. I’ve found that when I’m feeling down, simply turning on the rainbow Christmas lights strung around my room makes me feel warm and comforted. I shot these photos in my own bedroom, without styling or rearranging anything. I wanted to use my personal space as it is.

I met my model, Genise, on a photoshoot for a friend's floral shop a few years back. I had been wanting to shoot with her again, and I was lucky enough to get the chance one Sunday this November. My styling direction was anything silky, shiny or sparkly. Shooting with Genise was lovely; she is great to talk with and so photogenic.

After the shoot, I gave Genise a ride home. After dropping her off, I drove back to my place in the most vivid, blazing sunset. It was uncharacteristically bright for a November sunset, and it seemed to last forever. I felt relaxed and energized at the same time. As I drove, Camera Obscura’s “Razzle Dazzle Rose” came on the radio. The lyrics "I tried to be happy, it wasn't easy; When I choose my color it will be Razzle Dazzle Rose" were always relatable to me, especially on the topic of mental health.

When I picked up my film a few weeks later, the colors of that fiery sunset were reminiscent in the photos. I live for tiny coincidences like this.