grainfedphoto's journal

My Photo scholarship 2011 entry

Worldwide | Monday, November 7, 2011 | 5 photos

It’s hard not to be inspired growing up in Saskatchewan, Canada. The endless skies, vast prairie landscapes and the friendliest people around are what make up this charming mid-western province. Looking back, it is easy to see how my interest in photography evolved.

Known for its extreme seasons; including harsh -40 C winters and blissful +30 C summers, it is best to visit between May and September when everyone comes out of their shell.

These images were shot on a recent visit to my hometown of Saskatoon, the province’s largest city with 230 000 people. The trip’s highlight was a visit to my good friend’s family farm in Meacham, SK. We spent a leisurely Saturday there with her two kids Micha and Finley, who are always very excited to see their grandparents and the newest addition to their family, a rescue dog named Ella.

I believe that patience is often the greatest virtue in photography. When I put myself in the right place at the right time and exercise patience, beautiful moments unfold. I never try to force an image and rarely will I pose my subjects. Instead I prepare for that second when all the elements come together and with a click of the shutter something transcendental happens - I suddenly feel like I am exactly where I’m supposed to be and everything is in its right place in the world. It may sound lofty but this trip was full of these moments and it is connecting with them that keeps me shooting on a daily basis. Cue the Radiohead.

I hope that I am chosen for this scholarship because as a photographer I know that I have not yet found my voice. I know that an experience working and learning under a professional of Mr. Edwards' caliber would awaken that voice and point me in the right direction to becoming a professional photographer.