Juxtaposition Jux•ta•po•si•tion n. 1. an act or instance of placing close together or side by side, esp. for comparison or contrast. Juxtaposition is the essence of travel, contrasting the life one leads with the lives one gets to sample by immersion

My Scholarship entry - A 'place' I have visited

Belize | Tuesday, June 25, 2013 | 5 photos

I learned to shoot on film. “Film is expensive. Make every shot count.” Despite the luxury of modern digital photography, I have never lost that lesson.

Every time I shot, it was the candid shots of an experience that sparked my passion. Expressions on a girl's face during her dance rehearsal, the construction worker on break smoking a cigarette, fresh sushi; these were my inspiration.

Equipment does not make the photographer, nor does an editing suite. These shots were taken with a 5.2mp Photosmart M417, circa 2005. These are the raw shots, no editing.

I've considered the lifestyle to which this internship could lead. I will be able to handle the emotional and physical demands. I am comfortable being uncomfortable. I am confident I will thrive under these circumstances. These circumstances are real, raw.

I will obviously be seeking technical expertise and advice to expand my abilities. This will also be an opportunity to learn about the business, not just how to shoot, but how to be a working photographer. No lesson will be wasted.

I've been waiting my whole life for this. It's my time. It's my turn.
I need authentic. I need real. I need raw.