WesPhoto: Spirit (Vol. 2, Issue 1)

Spirit WesPhoto

Volume 2, Issue 1

Mission Statement

WesPhoto provides a community for photographers of all skill levels and experiences to come together for creative exploration, collaboration, and participation. In addition to the publication of our magazine, we host endof-semester gallery exhibitions, trainings, photo editing, professional talks, contests, and social events.

We meet once every week to share our work and the myriad of facets in the world of photography. Our mission is to create a welcoming environment for students to progress in their work, learn new skills, and expand their creative horizons.

www.wesphotoclub.com

wesphotographyclub@gmail.com

This publication was printed with the support of the Wesleyan Student Assembly’s Student Budget Committee.

Cover Photo by Petra Leite

President Alex Turtil

Educational Director Miles Miller

Creative Director Yun Huynh

Head of Layout Yasemin Schmitt

Sean Stetson

Layout Designer Miles Miller

David Rha

Melanie Tejada

Alex Turtil

Website Manager Wing Yi Leung

Equipment Manager Miles Miller

STAFF

Bella Arrese

Milly Berman

Lizzy Brandt

Maia Bronfman

Bohua Duan

Daniel Gessel

Xingyan J.C. Guo

Yun Huynh

August Koskoff

Isabella Koz

Petra Leite

Andrew Lu

Ben McMahon

David Rha

Lucy Rossi-Reder

Natalia Rueda

Yasemin Schmitt

Benjamin Siegel

Josh Shaw

Sean Stetson

Rosa Tejada

Terrion Thirsty

Mady Davis Troller

Alex Turtil

Owen Wiley

Letter from the President

Hello to the Readers of “Spirit”,

We are so excited to be releasing our third edition of the Wesleyan Photography Club magazine! I have been thrilled to witness the prosperous and incredible journey of the club being one of its founding members, and seeing our community evolve in its goals and its membership each semester.

During our third semester in operation, WesPhoto held its second gallery with the help of our contributing photographers and amazing curators. We wanted to showcase the breathtaking work itself and the rewarding process that made our gallery possible.

Through our decision to pursue the theme “Spirit,” I was given a chance to show how photography can capture feelings of bliss, introspection, observation, and human nature. This is how I perceived this theme, but this method was subjective and did not limit this community to follow other approaches to this broad assignment.

I would like to give a warm thanks to the photographers who contributed their work to this issue! I also want to give an enormous thanks to Yun Huynh and Miles Miller, whose creative work on this project and extra support went a long way in producing this magazine. I would like to extend a great thanks to the leads of our layout team, Yasemin Schmitt and Sean Stetson, who have maintained their dedication and creativity throughout our three editions of the magazine. Their encouragement and leadership carved the way for the excellent work from our layout newcomers Melanie Tejada, Benjamin Siegel, and David Rha.

We cannot wait to see the Wesleyan Photography Club continue to thrive, and hope you enjoy our magazine!

Letter from the Creative Director

Welcome dear readers to our third issue of Wesphoto’s photography magazine!

It has been such a journey the past semesters working on the magazine and seeing both the team, the club, and the magazine grow. From our first issue themed around Travel to our second issue around e/motions, we now present you with our third issue: “Spirit”! We initially chose this theme to reflect and highlight the characteristics of summer, Wesleyan’s own spirit, or both.

Personally, Spirit reminds me of the delicate yet so fascinating line between the natural and the supernatural, between actions and the results. Simultaneously, with my curiosity towards Japanese cultures, Spirit also reminds me of growth, summer festivals, or adventures without a timetable, without destinations, seen in many Ghibli movies for instance.

It has been an absolute pleasure going on this journey with everyone in the WesPhoto team and the larger WesPhoto community to make this issue come true. And all the submissions are all so intersting and accomplished. I want to give a special thanks to Alex Turtil and Miles Miller for being awesome to work with! All your feedbacks and comments throughout this process has helped me grow so much in my role and push me to create the best version of the magazine that it can be! I also want to give thanks to all of my awesome people in the Layout team! Sean Stetson, Yasemin Schmitt, and Miles Miller for taking your time and being patient to all the new Layout editors and walking them through the process. Alex Turtil, David Rha, Benjamin Siegel, Rosa Tejada for getting us such beautiful and awesome spreads on their first semester doing layout!

Well, without futher ado, this is “Spirit”.

Fall “Spirit” Gallery

“Spirit” embodies the intangible aspects of life, emerging as a vibrant yet invisible presence. It can be discovered in the binaries of elation and calm, community and singularity. These images are connected by the thread of its vital presence, freezing moments to showcase the beauties of life.

The gallery pictures from top left are taken by Miles Miller

(Above) Pushback; Canon 60D, April 2022, Middletown, CT

(Above) In The Night, A Tub; Fujifilm XT4, September 2022, Middletown, CT

Miller

Behind the Scenes

The pictures from top are taken by Alex Turtil and Miles Miller

(Above) Rush; Canon EOS 5Ds, July 2019, Beijing, China

B ella a rrese

A much-needed break on a summer day.

Making the most of winter. Finding joy in the little things.

Summer gatherings filled with love, joy, and innocent fun extended throughout generations.

(Above) Youthful Delight; Canon EOS REBEL T2i, February 2015, Westchester, NY

(Above) Celebrations of Life; Canon EOS REBEL T2i, July 2018, Long Island, NY

(Above) SCREAM!; Canon EOS REBEL T2i, July 2015, Westchester, NY

Social gathering to rally teammates and classmates in spreading school spirit.

Teammates together on and off the field in uniform. Celebrating wins and learning from losses.

(Below) Team Captain; Canon EOS REBEL T2i, September 2018, Westchester, NY

(Above) Orange, White & Blue; Canon EOS REBEL T2i, September 2018, Westchester, NY

M illy B er M an

Woman is walking down the street with her rosary.

Woman is eating a popsicle.

Man crosses the street.

(Left) Woman with Rosary; Canon Rebel 2000, 2022, London, UK

(Right) Man Crossing #2; Canon Rebel 2000, September 2022, London, UK

(Left) Woman Eating Popsicle; Canon Rebel 2000, 2022, London, UK

Two women run into each other at the council estate.

Satellites at Headbourne House.

(Left) Headbourne House; Canon Rebel 2000, 2022, Bermondsey, London, UK

(Right) 2 Women at the Council Estate; Canon Rebel 2000, September 2022, London, UK

l izzy B randt

Taiwan’s mountains directly reflect its skyscrapers. The blue of the sky and the ocean compliment the island’s green mountainside.

The gray and mundane landscape of Taipei has a ghostly, dreadful feeling to it. It is atmospheric and beautiful.

Purple and orange sunset at the mall. The lights look like UFOs.

(Left) Taiwan in the Country; iPhone 12, June 2022, Taroko, Taiwan

(Right) Taiwan in the City; iPhone 12, June 2022, Taipei, Taiwan

(Right) Sunset Dream; iPhone 12, August 2022, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

“National Night Out is a community-police awareness-raising event in the United States, held the first Tuesday of August” (Wikipedia). Covid reformed the event into a vehicle parade through the jurisdiction(s) of participating first responders and law enforcement. The image was taken from the fire chief’s municipal Ram pickup truck.

M aia B ronf M an

(Above) 258; Canon sx620, August, 2022, Ferriday, Louisiana

(Above) Untitled; Canon sx620, August, 2022, Ferriday, Louisiana

(Left) Untitled; Canon sx620, August, 2022, Ferriday, Louisiana

B ohua d uan

What is gone is gone, what is to come keeps coming. Between the going and coming, how swift was the transition of time!

The cleaner was moving and the sculpture was static. Yet at the very moment, they looked alike. Was the spirit of the cleaner alienated?

The taste of the first cake, the excitement of the first toy. As the sun goes up and down, ice cream weeps. The taste of the second cake, the excitement of the second toy.

Wearing gaudy attire and standing for primitive desire, using perfect expression to beguile inner despair, I indifferently accept your dilemma, just like a model waiting for a buyer.

(Left) Back; Canon EOS 5Ds, July 2019, Beijing, China

(Left) Model; Canon EOS 5Ds, July 2019, Beijing, China

(Right) Rush; Canon EOS 5Ds, July 2019, Beijing, China

(Right) Pursue; Canon EOS 5Ds, July 2019, Beijing, China

I was struck by this note and wanted to capture the inspiration in it. It is interesting to look back on it now, in a different place than when I took it.

I wanted to experiment with my camera and lens and work on taking photos of fire. We were also making s’mores and I wanted to see what I could do with the marshmallow, while capturing the flames.

I wanted to get some nice photos of my family at the beach at sunset. This one is especially important because it reminds me of the amazing time I had with my friends and my mom at the Scouting High Adventure camp, Sea Base.

d aniel gessel

While going to a beach in Cape Cod, my family and I went on this walkway with messages etched into the boards. I thought the long line of messages and the planks would make a cool photo.

(Right) Locker Note; Canon Rebel t6i, September 2019, Arlington, VA

(Left) Walk down Memory Lane; Canon Rebel t6i, August 2021, Cape Cod, MA

(Left) Memories of the Sea; Canon Rebel t6i, July 2020, Cape Cod, MA

(Right) S’mores; Canon Rebel t6i, August 2022, Cape Cod, MA

X ingyan J.C g uo

A human child, under a human condor, under the condors, on the Mirador Cruz

I met My mama tree in the Amazon forest: she kills, she hunts, and she runs after the sun. I found her in CDMX again, she plays with this human construction and invites to exile.

del Cóndor.

(Above) El Homber Cóndor; Canon Autoboy Luna 35, July 2022, Colca Canyon, Peru

(Left) An Invitation to Exile; Canon Autoboy Luna 35, July 2022, Ciudad de México, México

This is my first time being in the Pride. I made my first friend in Cusco. I learned so many powerful slogans in Spanish. I wish I could be proud on the land I grew up, screaming, laughing, and living in my mother language.

(Above) Barranco; Canon Autoboy Luna 35, June 2022, Lima, Peru

(Above) PRIDE; Canon Autoboy Luna 35, July 2022, Cusco, Peru

A man gazed out at the Pacific Ocean, on the coast that enclosed the country, as a stranger, named Xingyan, took a picture of him.

y un h uynh

I can feel as time stretches ahead of me in this corner of organized chaos, at the early hours of daylight.

Peering behind the opening sign, I am tricked by the lights; the outside world is reflected but closed out. The bar looks liveliest at afterhours...

(Above) A Comfortable Disorder; Nikon 3500, October 2022, New Haven, CT

(Above) Opening Hours; Nikon 3500, October 2022, Middletown, CT

The tear of the walls reminds me of the changing seasons. then I look up-- and fall’s already here.

The red paint over the worn-out bricks, the people escaping the frame-- tomorrow will be better; you can built good out of anything.

Abandoned, the aftermath of a day’s work at a local restaurant. I guess there is always a side of things that no one cares to observe.

(Above) Rebuild; Nikon 3500, October 2022, Middletown, CT

(Above) Fall Frost; Nikon 3500, October 2022, New Haven, CT

(Left) Disposed; Nikon 3500, October 2022, Middletown, CT

august K os K off

It doesn’t rain much in LA.

blue.

(Above) Bike of Books; Panasonic Lumix GX85, August 2022, Westport, CT

(Right) Primary; Panasonic Lumix GX85, June 2022, Baja California Sur, Mexico

(Above) Matching Outfits; Panasonic Lumix GX85, August 2022, Los Angeles, CA

(Above) Stripes; Panasonic Lumix GX85, August 2022, Westport, CT

This bike equipped with a miniature house exudes spirit through its color, shingles, and books. “The Remarkable Bookcycle” sign reminds me of something out of a children’s story.

Small aspects of design can give a feeling of spirit. Red, yellow, and

I wonder if there was a reason behind how they left their hats.

I saw this duo walking together as I sat in the passenger seat leaving my street. The child’s raised arm perfectly displays a feeling of spirit.

People who ride these scooters embody spirit.

(Below) Hats; Panasonic Lumix GX85, July 2022, Los Cabos, Mexico

(Left) Bird; Panasonic Lumix GX85, August 2022, Los Angeles, CA

(Above) The Perfect Team; Panasonic Lumix GX85, August 2022, Los Angeles, CA

(Right) Light; Panasonic Lumix GX85, August 2022, Los Angeles, CA The directionality of the light exudes spirit.

i sa B ella K oz

A perfect day, a grassy park, a range of beautiful colors and happy people. A space full of life.

This is a quasi self portrait induced by the shadows, but more than anything else, I’m enticed by this window into “Paul.” It feels like a view I’m not supposed to see – there’s something intimate about it.

I perched on this side street for awhile, waiting for the perfect moment to capture the light on a commuter’s back.

(Right) Sunbathing Skies; Yashica-A, June 2022, Copenhagen, Denmark

(Right) Forbidden Perspective [self portrait]; Yashica-A, July 2022, France

(Above) Name Sunset Stroll; Yashica-A, July 2022, Aix en Provence, France

On a huge exploration walk through West Berlin, I came across this street corner; at first, it seemed quaint, and I liked this green overhang. Upon looking at this photo, I realize how full of life this corner was.

I don’t think this photo is fantastic by any means–but I am so happy to have captured this moment. He felt like a part of the tranquil scene and exuded a sense of being at peace. There’s something inspiring about that.

(Right) Modes of Movement; Yashica-A, July 2022, Berlin, Germany

(Left) Tucked Away; Yashica-A, June 2022, Copenhagen, Denmark

P etra l eite

A local honey shop where the sun makes the products look even sweeter.

This hillside is irresistible to the adventurous who want a better view of the water.

Lackö Castle is a medieval castle with amazing gardens and a great view of the water.

(Above) Oh Honey; Canon T70, March 2022, Savannah, Georgia

(Above) Look Out; Canon T70, August, 2022, Stockholm, Sweden.

(Above) Pots; Canon T70, August, 2022, Lidköping, Sweden

The streets of Savannah are beautifully decorated with grand oak trees draped in Spanish Moss.

This ferry gives great views of the waterside activity around Stockholm.

The camellia flower is striking with its pink coloring and perfectly round petals.

The outside of this mystical shop is enchanting and enticing.

(Above) Oak & Spanish Moss; Canon T70, March, 2022, Savannah, Georgia.

(Above) Camellia; Canon T70, March, 2022, Savannah, Georgia.

(Above) Step on in; Canon T70, March, 2022, Savannah, Georgia.

(Above) Ferry Ride; Canon T70, August, 2022, Stockholm, Sweden.

a ndrew l u

Stairs present a crossroads, being both the means to higher heights and towards descending depths—a reminder of the elation and depression that comes with each step forward.

The cozy and eerie are opposites which navigate a fine line based on their contextual positioning. Where do our spirits guide us in determining characteristics of comfort or the emptiness in solitude?

The sacred place of intimate relaxation, of romance and rubber ducky time, sits within the fields—barren in solitude darkness. And so in the night, a tub.

(Left) Nook; Fujifilm XT4, September 2022, Middletown, CT

(Left) In The Night, A Tub; Fujifilm XT4, September 2022, Middletown, CT

(Left) rrrrfph; Fujifilm XT4, December 2021, Houston TX

(Right) Bannister; Fujifilm XT4, September 2022, Middletown, CT

Ouaf, meong, guau, yip, wan, voff, bau. Woof. Rrrrfph

B en M C M ahon

(Right) Untitled; Canon 70D, August 2022, Boston, MA

(Above) Untitled; Canon 70D, August 2022, Boston, MA

(Above) Untitled; Canon 70D, June 2022, Middltown, CT

(Above) Untitled; Canon 70D, August 2022, Boston, MA

(Below) Untitled; Canon 70D, September 2022, Middltown, CT

Impromptu portrait. Impromptu portrait.

Photo taken in Chinatown, Boston.

Photograph taken in the North End, Boston.

Photograph taken in Downtown Boston.

d avid r ha

A frosty morning brings a huddle of early-risers, preparing to embark on their forenoon voyages.

Nature, futurism, tradition. They are carefully intertwined with each other and represent the complete harmony between environment and industry, between bygone and upcoming, and between turbulence and tranquility.

(Above & Left) Triality of Korea; iPhone XR, June 2019, Seoul, South Korea

(Above) Morning Flock; Google Pixel 2, November 2018, Barrington, IL

An organic moment of pure bliss, formed from the enchanting encompassments of radiant foliage, pumpkin-spiced everything, and warm colors contrasting with the cool breezes of imminent winter.

Within the organically eroded curves of the Grand Canyon lie rainbow hues invisible until exposed to the right light.

A pair of seagulls effortlessly glide with a rapid gust pushing against them, appearing almost stagnant in the air.

A startled pelican begins its escape towards safety away from the dangers of humanity.

(Above) Hidden Colors; iPhone 6s, June 2017, Phoenix, AZ

(Above) Gliding Against the Breeze; Nikon D750, September 2018, Geneva, WI

(Above) Autumnal Friendship; iPhone XR, October 2019, South Barrington, IL

(Above) Emerging Flight; iPhone 6s, July 2018, Cancun, Mexico

l u C y r ossir eder

(All) Grave Decorations; LUMIX FZ200, February 2022, Los Angeles

These photographs were taken at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles. Many graves were decorated with small statues and colorful flowers which caught my eye.

(Above) Mausoleum; LUMIX FZ200, February 2022, Los Angeles

n atalia r euda

Screaming and howling like no one was watching, my brother unleashed his inner emotions. These pent up feelings culminated to create this moment of utter release. What followed was the relief and satisfaction of letting go.

The Screams of Relief; Canon EOS Rebel T6, June 16, 2022, Hampton Bays

These photos were taken this past summer when my brother and I were exploring the house we had rented for the weekend and decided to have a silly photoshoot on the dock. He started spontaneously dancing, swinging his arms and legs around and around. As he became immersed in motion, I captured these moments of pure bliss. Nothing else in the world mattered to him but his body moving to the beat of his own drum.

Step with me; Canon EOS Rebel T6, June 16, 2022, Hampton Bays

y ase M in s C h M itt

It was an energetic Saturday night on campus when I headed over to Memorial Chapel on College Row. In this beautiful Collective Motion (COMO) preformance the dancers did an excellent job evoking a sense of strength and grace. The grandeur of the organ behind the stage contributes to the unique atmosphere created by the dancers.

Just after the COMO preformance ended I crossed across the street to Eclectic and photographed another dance show on campus. This shot captures the poses of a dynamic dancer at the Fusion X-tacy Precision Troupe (FXT) show.

(Left) Stand Tall; Canon 60D, April 2022, Middletown, CT

(Right) Pushback; Canon 60D, April 2022, Middletown, CT

Halfway through the FXT preformance, 3 dancers glide across the stage effortlessly and lean into the beat of the music. I was excited to capture the excitement on their faces and the ways that they each add their own style to the synchronization.

In next section of the FXT show, the dancers strike poses throughout the dance. Both the costumes and the poses of each dancer reflect a unique energy. The stage lights cast beautiful shadows on the left side of the image and illuminates the middle and right side of this frame.

At the end of the FXT preformance all of the dancers came on stage each wearing black. The stage lights allow the iconic Eclectic sign to shimmer and highlight the outlines of the dancers. I especially love how the photo highlights the dancer on the left and the way that the others look in her direction.

(Left) Heat of the Moment; Canon 60D, April 2022, Middletown, CT

(Left) Lean Into It; Canon 60D, April 2022, Middletown, CT

(Right) No Problem; Canon 60D, April 2022, Middletown, CT

B en J a M in s iegel

(Above) Untitled; iPhone, July 2019, Los Angeles, CA

(Left) Untitled; Digital Fujifilm, August 2020, Palos Verdes, CA

(Above) Untitled; Digital Panasonic, July 2018, Matsumoto, Japan

(Above) Untitled; Unknown, September 2019, Salt Spring Island, Canada

(Above) Oh Deer; Unknown, September 2019, Salt Spring Island, Canada

(Above) Unintentionally Shy Cow; Digital Fujifilm, July 2021, Chester, VT

J osh s haw

To me, this photo symbolizes all the different spiritual interpretations people make about the same images. While some people think it’s a sunrise/set, I actually took this picture of the moon on my way home from work one night.

(Right) Generic Sunset; iPhone 13, September 2022, Middletown, CT

I normally try not to take pictures focused solely on sunsets if they don’t have some meaning I can attribute to them, but I had to make an exception. It looks nice. It’s peaceful. Please enjoy.

(Above) Sunny Starlight; iPhone 13, June 2022, Chatham, MA

I took this from my window at 1am, it just made me remember how it’s my favorite time of day.

I took this picture on my way to get dinner. I almost missed the chance to take it because I was so preoccupied with work and whatnot. I think everyone here has probably walked past something like this for similar reasons.

Although you can’t see it, there were many pieces of plastic and glass behind the rocks, and most likely in the water. I think it serves as a reminder that even places protected from littering and whatnot are still filled with human contamination.

(Right) How The World Is Now; iPhone 13, September 2022, Baraboo, WI

(Right) Hole in the Wall; iPhone 13, October 2022, Middletown, CT

(Right) The World Revolves Around Wes; iPhone 13, October 2022, Middletown, CT

s ean s tetson

(Assilah) I was really taken by the plants lining this alleyway. When I look at it, I feel peace. That, to me, is really the spirit of towns like this; a place to go to feel all your worries slip away.

(Hassan II Mosque) This photo captures spirit in several different ways. For one, it captures the spirit of the worshippers who frequent it, but also, it captures the spirit of Morocco as a whole; the architecture and craftsmanship feel uniquely Mococcan.

One of my favorite parts of living in CT is Autumn. I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time to take this picture of both the leaves and the sky ablaze.

(Left) A New England Sunet; iPhone 13, October 2022, Durham, CT

(Above) Assilah; iPhone 13, August 2022, Assilah, Morocco

(Above) Hassan II Mosque; iPhone 13, August 2022, Casablanca, Morocco

Anyone who spends any time with me walking around campus will see how much I love the squirrels here. They’re so much fun to watch; I honestly belive they add a lot of character and spirit to an otherwise often dull campus.

(Right, Above) Squirrels of Wesleyan; Canon EOS 40D, October 2022, Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT

r osa t e J ada

I captured a moment of happiness between two friends that don’t see each other often. Helping to collect moments that strengthens that singular friendship. That is the true joy and spirit of being a child.

In a scary night of Halloween, a group of friends went outside to take pictures of their costumes in Wesleyan University.

My friends, were looking at their score after bowling.

When I was ready to take the picture, my friend was already posing and

(Above) Great Elation; Canon EOS Rebel T2i, May 2022, TX.

(Above) What is that?; Canon EOS Rebel T2i, October, 2022, CT.

(Above) I’m ready!; Canon EOS Rebel T2i, April 2022, Dallas, TX.

(Above) Look at that; Canon EOS Rebel T2i, April 2022, Dallas, TX.

A group of friends smiling at the camera because they were about to play bumper cars.

An arcade with innumerable types of games, and your group of friends are the only things you need to be happy and become competitive.

In a scary and dark night of Halloween, Freddy Krueger was looking for sleepy people to scare them in their dreams.

In an intend to take a picture of my friends in the back of the picture, my other friend appeared in the picture when I was done with it.

(Above) Here I go!; Canon EOS Rebel T2i, April 2022, Dallas, TX.

(Above) Surprise!; Canon EOS Rebel T2i, April 2022, Dallas, TX.

(Above) Sweet Dreams; Canon EOS Rebel T2i, October, 2022, CT.

(Above) Finally!; Canon EOS Rebel T2i, April 2022, Dallas, TX.

(Above) Hey there!; Canon EOS Rebel T2i, April, 2022, Dallas, TX

just a shining smile from my friend.

t errion t hirsty

Just a good looking couple taking in the view.

Spot the bee.

(Above) Morticia & Gomez; Pixel 6, June 2022, CT

(Above) Lil’ Al; Pixel 6, July 2022, CT

(Right) Day Tripping; Pixel 6, September 2022, CT

M ady d avis t roller

(Above) Untitled; iPhone 11, August 2022, Racine, WI

(Above) A Glimpse Into; iPhone 11, November 2021, Rochester, NY

(Above) Strictly Business; iPhone 11, August 2021, Cottage Grove, WI

a le X t urtil

Behind the boats, a clearing of red and green trees mark the spirit of changing seasons.

This moment captures swaying boats along the Long Island Sound, the spirit of the wind pulling them but the anchors keeping them at wrest. Blues and pinks mix within the ruffles of the water, reflecting the darkening sky.

Ducklings leisurely paddle across the water, following the leader.

A bridge peaks from beyond a quiet foreground, offering an urban spirit.

(Above) Blushing Sky; Nikon D3200, August 2022, Greenwich, CT

(Above) Hidden Bridge; Nikon D3200, August 2022, Greenwich, CT

(Below) Red Harbor; Nikon D3200, August 2022, Greenwich, CT

(Above) Paddling Ducks; Nikon D3200, January 2022, Rye, NY

A boy sweeps across the shallow tide on his paddlboard, as the sun reaches a low point in the horizon. These elements embody the beauty and freedom of a summer evening.

On a day trip to the beach, the long and winding path passes by a calm fishing spot for a local.

A dark cloud descends on the beach, ominously greeting onlookers while they pack up

(Above) Shade; iPhone 11, August 2022, Sarasota, FL

(Above) X-Ray Jelly; iPhone 11, August 2022, Sarasota, FL

(Above) Slide; iPhone 11, August 2022, Sarasota, FL

(Above) Distant Fisherman; iPhone 11, July 2022, Madison, CT

Swimming jellies at an aquarium.

o wen w iley

I love juxtaposition of nature and manmade objects, and I like the small size of this chapel compared to the massive mountains in the background.

I’m fascinated by buildings, especially old ones, that are located in incredibly hard to reach places. I think it’s a testament to the faith and devotion of the people who built this church that they built it into the side of a massive cliff.

(Left) Santuario Madonna della Corona; Sony NEX-6, June 2022, Spiazzi, Italy

(Above) Dolomites Chapel; Sony NEX-6, June 2022, Val Gardena, Italy

mountain in the Italian Dolomites has a crucifix at its peak, and I was particularly struck by this one. I’d never seen an image of Christ that looked so dead, where his weight was so tangible. I wanted to get a shot of the crucifix with the gorgeous scenery and the people around it, who provide a dynamic counterpoint to the lifelessness of the crucifix.

When given the chance, I love taking pictures that highlight the relationship between people and their creations, which juxtapose their sizes. I think that this contrast is striking in this shot because the people appear tiny in front of a late Romanesque / early Gothic church, whose architecture is designed to bring the viewer’s eyes upwards, thus connecting the subject with something much greater than their individual being.

In the center of Berlin, the Neue Wache holds the memorial to the victims of war and tyranny in Germany. The sculpture was designed by German artist Käthe Kollwitz and mimics the style of a pietà, a mother cradling her dead son. With my picture I wanted to capture the somberness of the space, with the sculpture in the center surrounded by bare walls, and I liked the inclusion of a single person to bring out the solitary nature of death and mourning.

(Right) Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore; Sony NEX-6, June 2022, Verona, Italy

(Left) Cristo alla Rasciesa; Sony NEX-6, June 2022,

Every

(Left) Neue Wache; iPhone 11, July 2021, Berlin, Germany

Photo by Alex Turtil

Poem

by Alice Musabe

Lost in the abyss of this world

Drowning in the turbulence of my emotions

Trapped juggling this world’s friendships

Facing the uncertainties of my financial status

Torn on the effectiveness of therapy

Poetry was my flowery vine

Sad poems were the humidity

Love poems were the carbon dioxide

Motivational poems were the sun

Feminism poem were the chlorophyll

All needed to flourish and nourish

Life

Take care, Alice

WesPhoto