Mind Body Connections
By Marlena McClain
1 Nov 2008
For a recent school project, I decided to shoot how thoughts about the body correlate to a specific body part. First, I gave the example of how my lips are always dry. Then, I explained that the correlating photo to that thought would be a close up of my dry lips. I started photographing all nineteen students in a course of a week, either after class in a heavily shaded area or back in our dorm rooms with the shades drawn. I was emulating a studio-type setting, with no actual knowledge of what studio lighting evolves. I used my Digital Canon XTI, a 10-20 wide angle lens, and either a 3200k bulb with dish or Canon Speed Light 430EX. I only shot with the bulb indoors and the Speed Light outdoors.
I promised to protect everyone's identity. However, I told everyone in class not to share their body part with the other class members. I presented the project last week with twenty-five individually wrapped stacks of tiny photos, of everyone I photographed in class. Along with that, I passed out sheets of paper with different type font, explaining each person's individual thoughts. Yet, I didn't tell anyone in my class which body or thought I was, until now on JPG Magazine. I guess for me, I don't mind that complete strangers can view my body, because they don't know what I really look like or who I really am. None the less, for me this assignment hit home, and I believe it is my best project yet.
I explained to the class, that although all of our thoughts and body parts are different, they are all the same because we are all divinely human. The body parts that formerly appeared as ugly, now transforms into beautiful and ornate landscapes among our bodies.
Lastly, on a more personal level I incorporated Louise Hay's metaphysical teachings, in which thoughts about the body, more or less contribute to the condition in which the body is in. I have a few health problems of my own, thus I am constantly worrying about my body. Although, I have my struggles, I hope by presenting this project to my class and to the world, I will begin the road to healing.
5 responses
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Martin E. Morris gave props (1 Nov 2008):
An excellent story with interesting images!!!
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John Linton gave props (1 Nov 2008):
Oh yeah! Your essay rocks!
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Timothy Patrick gave props (1 Nov 2008):
Great story, beautiful photos. Thanks for sharing your process and the results!
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Rolando Guardiola said (1 Nov 2008):
This is very intimate and mature. Thank you for coming forth with such a valiant effort.
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Chad Galloway gave props (19 Dec 2008):
This is really a very beautiful collection. Thanks for sharing!
