Photo Arts Center Observation

I was able to visit the Philadelphia Photo Arts Center. There I learned about two photographers name Andre Bradley and Paul Anthony Smith, it was a very interesting experience as I began to look at each photo and description I noticed that both Andre and Paul's photography was similar in the sense that their photos are a balance between hardship and family. They both photograph personal experiences of their life and motives. When I first walked into the Philadelphia Photo Arts Center it was super quiet and the only one there was the receptionist. I began to look at the walls and I noticed a photo that immediately caught my attention. I began to look at the photo and think to myself this photo looks like it was taken with a cellphone, but then
I began to think "wow I can relate." Andre Bradley took a photo of a backyard in Philadelphia the photo is dark with shadows of the fence , trees , sticks and a pitch black window . Andre connected this photo with the fear of not being free. Being a minority in North Philadelphia can be difficult, as I walk the streets I notice how nothing ever changes. Drug addiction and poverty constantly increases , people I went to grade school with still living in the neighborhood with no job and no further education. In order to not be stagnant we must fight against the darkness that doesn't want to let us go. I often remind myself of my goal to become successful because I don’t want to lose my flow of perseverance. The saying " A picture is worth a thousand words'' is definitely true .
As I was walking around the exhibit, I was looking at the photos and then I would read the description. I noticed that my interpretation to the photo was totally different to the photographers interpretation. That is why I am interested in photography because photos create a feeling either good or bad ,they can be interpreted differently over and over again. Photos mean a lot to me because it allows me to hold and cherish a tangible memory . I am so glad I was able to attend the Philadelphia Photo Arts center because I never take time out of my busy schedule to visit photo exhibits and it was quite an experience. The art center was great and what I enjoyed most about it is that is gives local students a chance to have their photos displayed. That is important because the photo center it gives back to the community and it gives the kids in the urban areas something to look forward to. The exhibit gave me a different perspective to photography, the media likes to flush our minds with photoshop and it can be hard to appreciate a real untouched photo. I also was able to understand that the photos I take of my family and my neighborhood can be interpreted many
ways.