i did a photo series inspired by my debut novel

Photography is a sweet solace for me, if not a bit chaotic. When I get an idea, I pull out my camera and begin snapping. I live by myself so I have to rely on my camera’s self-timer, which can be frustrating.

I wouldn’t have it any other way, though. That frustration—that marriage between idea and execution—is such a fun challenge and adds to the artistic process.

I knew I wanted to do a series featuring a silver butterfly hairclip (just like the one in The Memory Jumper that my main character, Adelaide, has). To be honest, I wish the hairclip were more prominent but I was having problems getting it to be visible.

I explored several themes, each represented by an item in the photo.

PLANTS

growth

WINDOWS

Being trapped yet dreaming of more

MIRRORS

Self Reflection / Facing Ourselves / we’re our own worst enemies

What has my shadow done?

Some beautiful things

Some terrible things

I am reminded of a letter

I wrote a friend—

Beautiful.

I am reminded of

denying myself food, happiness,

Of turning the mirror around

So I wouldn’t have to see the stranger there—

Terrible.

We are all layers of shadows.

How many times have we died?

How many times have we been reborn?

Would all my shadows get along?