Long Story

Clara's work is an open book with all the blemishes of real life. No secrets here, just people staring back, reciprocating the honesty of the photographer in a relationship built on trust which in turn is granted to the viewer, a glimpse inside.

Long Story depicts unglamorous observations of loved ones managing the challenges of the human condition. In a world where we must perform confidence daily, and repress our emotions to appear composed, it is a relief to step away, remove the public mask and be present with the people who make it all worthwhile. This practice highlights the range of emotion expressed through time spent and honest dialogue with those we stand in relation to - chosen and blood kin. Comprehending people's truth, and telling our own in return helps us grasp humanity in a way nothing else can; what we learn from others helps shape and often define our own framework. 

These individual experiences of my dear ones reflect a collective consciousness - one that resonates in an uncertain time, hanging on in the face of the intangible but ultimately terrifying knowledge that the world is tearing itself apart. Anxiety about the modern world notwithstanding, the beauty of human emotion stands still for viewers to recognize, engage and recall sadness, joy, fear, loss, love, lust, impending doom, each universally felt and true for everyone under the sun. 

My practice is one which places value of my relationship with the subjects above the physical outcome of the photograph. These images are taken quickly with little technical effort while the lived experience and the conversation ensuing remains priority. Shooting on film further allows me to remain present in the moment as I am not immediately looking at the image captured, instead anticipating the day my film comes in the mail to be reminded of the meaningful memories with loved ones. Photographing the same people again and again show viewers a multifaceted narrative of the subject's perspectives. Portraiture often feels reductive because it only shows one dimension of the subject's soul. If a photographer uses a low angle, with the subject staring directly into the camera, the person is seen as strong. They likely are strong, but no one is always strong, the human experience is a whirlwind of highs and lows; this is something that is important to me to portray in the work.