Kolkata

My Photo scholarship 2011 entry

Worldwide | Friday, September 16, 2011 | 5 photos

My name is Kate Struthers. I’m 21 years old, living in Montreal, Canada.
I began shooting after I inherited my father’s 1964 Pentax Spotmatic at age 5.
I still use the Spotmatic as my main camera; it has been my closest companion on each trip abroad. It has seen many places, including Europe, North America, South America and India. While traveling, whether in the act of photography or not, one becomes immersed in the vibrancy of newness. For me the urge to photograph comes from being somewhat bewildered by striking unfamiliarity. I’ve always been taken by the subtleties of beauty and the dexterity of light. My principal asset in my photography is my sensitivity to these things.
I find it difficult to think up a better career than travel photographer, it has been in my sights for the better part of my life. With my photography I want to bring about the realization of the world's inherent and delicate tactility through capturing the potent imagery that surrounds us. It may seem obvious then that I’ve always been drawn to travel in Africa.
As a photographer what holds me back most is the fear of not being able to do justice to the image before me. I believe this fear can be overcome by immersing myself in the technicalities of photography, learning them as thoroughly as possible. The love that I have for photography is life-long, and the prospect of neglecting a passion due to fear is an unbearable thought. The opportunity offered here could provide me with the chance to both face, and conquer this insecurity and begin to do what few people can: love their jobs.
I want nothing more than to better myself and my work, while being mentored by someone doing what I can only dream of.