This first image is a canvas I created using crayons and a hairdryer. I then manipulated the image by using an app to create to separate frames. I decided to make one side of the image colorful and the other black and white because I do believe that race plays a role in the photographs taken by photographers, but it is not always the direct intent. I feel that an identity or our perceptions of what our race should be are socially constructed. The rainbow colors demonstrate all the outside factors other than race, while the black and white shows the interpretation of race as one of the only factors that effects an image. I think the audience or society has a very significant role in the creation of a photograph. I chose the word imagine to represent all other factor and possibilities considered when it comes to the concept of race and construction of any photograph.
For anyone who has ever graced a Starbucks on a college campus, there is a stereotype that "basic", white girls drink Starbucks coffee. On many Instagram (social media) accounts there are pictures of Starbucks cups and hashtags such as #typicalwhitegirl #whitegirl #starbucks. As a white, female college student who enjoys Starbucks beverages, I fit this stereotype and by taking a picture to document it while in Starbucks I further ferment the idea.
I have scene an image like this one on the social media sight Facebook, however, it just so happened that my roommate happened to find a small zebra figurine in her pursue. When I saw it I instantly thought that I needed to document it. Much like the controversy of the gold and white striped dress versus the blue and black striped dress and how people saw it (google reference actually quite amusing), this zebra represents the same concept, but with race specifically. As I look at this image I automatically assume this zebra is white with black stripes and as a child I would color it accordingly. As I took this photograph, despite what I know now about race I still cannot seem to think about it as a black zebra with white stripes. I believe this may be because of my schooling, in a predominately white classroom. By no means do I think one interpretation is right or wrong, but it is intriguing that, that is how I initially perceived it. I think the important aspect to take from this photograph though is that regardless of its coloring, it is still a zebra. People are the same. Regardless of their skin color people are people and should be treated the same way. I also have it looking into the mirror to demonstrate the reflection process regarding race, photography and identity.
Lastly, is a picture of a Christmas tree. Now as simple as this image seems (mostly because of the holiday season) there is a more complex reason for photographing it. As a white female who grew up in an Irish Catholic household, I celebrate Christmas. When I took this picture I did not even think about those that were not white, female Catholics in regards to my audience. I assumed everyone would understand my picture because Christmas is apparently a well-known holiday and everyone should know a tree with lights, ornaments and giant ribbon is a representation of that, when in reality that may not be the case, which is why this image reflects my race as a photographer.
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