SEE ME: A new Series on Perspective

As a photographer, I feel as though it is my responsibility to take photos that 'change the world.' I know it seems silly, cliche perhaps, but I really do feel as though a good photo, a certain moment, can initiate change. Change is all it takes; the momentum of spirit.

I remember the experience of viewing a Pulitzer gallery in high school, just a young photographer then, and saw THE WATCHER for the very first time.  The photographer had been asked relentlessly how he could stand aside and take the photo instead of stepping in to save the child.  His explanation was that the photo, the sacred and moving moment that inspired so many to be angry, could also inspire others to make acts of kindness that would far surpass his simple action of stepping in; his shutter could do more than his actions could at that time.  He gave the power of capturing a moment real worth. I knew I would be a photographer for life.

I started capturing artists before they were tainted, I wanted to somehow bottle innocence.  I took my experience working as a model, posing in front of cameras for all those years, and channeled it into a way to capture my subject.  I found I gravitated towards journalistic, candid, real life portrait work. Capturing the essence of a person or moment that would really better my life and the life of others. I could see why journalists rush into flames and violent protest; you want the shot. It makes a difference.

For years I helped with WE ARE CHANGE and you could find me at most any protest... looking for the shot.

Monsanto, Bilderberg, Gay Marriage, Occupy Wall street, BLACK Lives Matter...

The way we choose to initiate change says a lot about our personalities. As a psychologist, I'm aware that perception and visual stimulation are important to me and it's a tool I use more than most others. So, with that, I'm constantly picking my brain to think of an interesting way to 'capture something'.  You don't want to create but instead know you must do more than be at the 'right place at the right time', too.  I started talking...

My husband is the best partner for more reasons than I can list but one of my favorite qualities, is his uncanny ability to generate creative thought.  Anytime of day, no matter the context, he can take your thought to the next level or turn you down an alleyway you didn't know existed. Conversations become choose-your-own-adventure books full of cool doorways, dark corners and unexplored parts of the map yet to be drawn in. I adore that mystery and adventure. So his thoughts hit mine, crashing together to sort it all out.  I then sit down and what does the Universe play?

I love you, Universe.  We were talking about my newest series, #SEEME
I'm considered a 'white girl' and right now so much of our pc, egg-shell awkwardness is stemming from a tumor of thought that starts with racism and fear.  What are the thoughts we have about certain people based on their looks and how can a good portrait change all that?

I started to approach those I could - without much conflict of changing their energy - EMO girls can be cute too!

Well, as my husband expanded upon, assimilation can only do so much before the moderation and good intent become damaged goods and heavy bags of resentment.  We chatted about a recent portrait CAPTURING TIME completed with a Minneapolis musician, Robb Hayes. He's smart, positive, motivated, edgy, rustic, infectious and talented. He is also a young black man. So, I cut right to the chase in our initial photography consultation and asked him what he wanted his 'brand' or 'image' to be to others.  He took the bait and immediately narrated his frustrations that just because he is black, lives in the city, that when he explains to others that he is a 'musician' they funnel him into 'rapper'.  The associations with rap and hip hop already severe a large part of the market he wants to connect with: the youth.

"I want to be approachable. For someone to not only allow, but want their kids to listen to my music. Remember back in the 90's when you could just jam out? That is what we're missing." He shook his head at the thought that he even has to combat these notions that his music would automatically be assumed explicit, negative, or inappropriate for children negated the goal to inspire those who don't have positive songs to rock to!  His issue was all about how people see him; exactly where I wanted to make change.

#SEEME is a growing concept of breaking a mold, changing a view, altering a perception and giving someone the chance to shine through all the stereotypes, labels and stigmas that might otherwise keep you from connection.