Cynthia Young

There is an action that happens when someone views an image. A series of events come together. Within that series are opinions, judgements, and frames of reference that determine how that viewer will "see" that image. The photographer can set an intention for his/her photography that will help guide the viewer to a particular emotional result. This, is the conversation about photography that happens between photographer and viewer. Without this "conversation", the image is really just a snapshot--a captured moment in time without any "emotional text".

The physical-ness of photography is sometimes a challenge for me. Disabled at the age of 6 by a stroke, I have significant weakness from spastic hemiplegia on my left side. I have discovered an acceptance of my unique physicalness through photography. As a photographer, I want to stand out, I want to create well done, well thought out images that convey an essence. I want my viewer to harness that essence and follow it as it leads them to emotion. If you see something I've made and a feeling resonates in you, then we have had a successful photographic conversation.