What does home feel like to you? Is it a sunrise over the tree line, the warm glow of summer on your skin, or a cozy meal with loved ones? Home encompasses these moments and more—each one a fragment of what makes a place feel truly ours.
In the wake of recent global events, we’ve been forced to reflect on the essence of home. The pandemic highlighted our need for the comfort and safety of our personal spaces, revealing how deeply we cling to sentimental keepsakes and the spaces they represent. Our homes, often filled with cherished objects, embody who we are and what we value.
The financial and social pressures of recent years have intensified the importance of finding solace in our personal environments. As we navigate economic uncertainties and political divisions, our homes offer a sanctuary. My work, as an Alabama native and a member of marginalized communities, seeks to capture this sense of home and belonging through 35mm film photography.
Returning to a vintage Nikon AE-1 camera, gifted to me and long forgotten, reignited my passion for photography. The unexpected light leaks on the film resulted in images that evoke the nostalgic warmth I aimed to convey. These serendipitous flaws reflect the authenticity and emotion of home.
This project also acknowledges our connection to the Earth, which, as the Bible suggests, is a gift meant for harmonious living. The shift towards a more holistic lifestyle reflects a growing awareness of our environmental impact and the need to treat our planet—our ultimate home—with respect.
In capturing these fleeting, poignant moments, my goal is to evoke the feeling of home: a space of safety, authenticity, and emotional resonance. These moments, however ephemeral, are invaluable. Embrace them, share them, and allow them to remind us of the true essence of home.
