BY Judith Rae
I had the honor of photographing students in the new Path to College space and recording their personal stories. What struck me was that connecting with individuals who, like us, challenge societal norms and biases with our unwavering belief in a better future, has the power to reshape the very fabric of our reality. We are not just dreaming, we are actively expanding the realm of what is possible. Our stories inspire others to envision greater possibilities for their own lives and the lives of those around them. By sharing our experiences, we ignite a spark of limitless potential in others. Together, we are shaping the future of humanity, and by embracing our own stories, we illuminate the path for others to follow.
With the help of Paula Walters Parker, Artist and art teacher at Forsyth Satellite Academy, and professor Curtis Willocks from the Fashion Institute of Technology, we created an experiential learning environment whereby students learned some basics of photography while exploring personal narratives. Forsyth students were able to experience being in front of and behind the camera while learning a bit about the history and the mechanics of large-format photography and how to develop a personal narrative in an artist statement.
Together, we conducted a series of seven-day workshops at Forsyth Satellite Academy. Throughout the workshops, we created a structure where, as students waited to be photographed, they watched, assisted as others were being photographed, documented behind the scenes of the photoshoot, and took photos of their peers and teachers. Through this structure, students learned the intellectual properties of photography and the kinesthetic, hands-on, physical, and emotional aspects of working with clients and medium-format digital and large-format film cameras.
I also shared my journey in photography and my artist statement to help facilitate a group discussion with all the students about “where they’re currently at, best case scenario for what’s next, and causes they care about.” Students then combined their collective words and Fujifilm Instax images to share critical takeaways.
This project was made possible through a partnership with Judith Rae Photography || Artist and FSA art instructor Paula Walters Parker || Professor Curtis Willocks with his students from FIT and Parsons School of Design || LTI Lightside Photographic Services || Camba @ Forsyth Satellite Academy || Penumbra Foundation
In 2010, I had the privilege of connecting with the Justice + Joy, National Collaborative, formerly known as National Crittenton, an organization dedicated to promoting social, economic, and political justice for girls, young women, and gender-expansive young people of color. I proposed a multimedia project to them, and a decade later, that vision has become a reality. I traveled across the country to document the stories of young parent families, passionate advocates, and changemakers.
Let's embrace the wisdom of our children and young adults. Let's honor the resilience and insight they bring. Throughout this journey, I have experienced profound personal growth. This project, driven by passion and purpose, has touched my heart and soul, and I hope this emotion is conveyed through the images, words, and audio shared.
I captured this multimedia project using a medium-format Hasselblad film camera and a medium-format Fuji digital camera.