#deidraly

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Under The Orchids

Model: Denay Hernandez

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Open Your Mind

{view photos: Part 1 / Part 2} 

     Personally, I try to stay away from anything that can harm my body. Drinking, smoking, drugs, even certain kinds of medication scare me. I’m too paranoid to do anything “bad” because I like to think that I know better, plus I’ve heard many worse case scenarios resulting from a night of “fun”. However, within the last couple of years, it seems that more and more people are now accepting of and even take part in a popular and “harmful” culture. In most places, living this life is illegal and can get you fined and sent to jail with a hefty sentence. 

     I wanted to explore a controversial lifestyle that continues to spark debate even today. Of course I am talking about Marijuana and the Stoner lifestyle. In fact, since elementary school, we’ve been told of the evils of Marijuana, but it’s almost like a huge joke because as I’ve grown up, I’ve seen and heard of countless classmates and close friends head down the “wrong” path with the so called “gateway drug”. It’s something that I just don’t understand. Maybe I’m not that cool, but I don’t see how you can begin using drugs after all those years of promising to stay clean. I don’t get why you would do something that seems to harm your body. Why would you feel the need cause yourself to become incompetent? BUT it really fascinates me that this simple plant from our planet Earth can get people in so much trouble and can also affect our bodies in very strange ways. We can see the shift of opinion on whether or not smoking Marijuana really is harmful, especially since now many people are using forms of the plant for medicinal purposes, such as relieving pain. 

     When I first learned about my close friend smoking Marijuana I couldn’t believe it. I thought he had started hanging out with the wrong people and I wondered how he could do this to himself. My friend, who I chose to photograph, started smoking fairly young and has always regarded the drug highly. He praises the plant for helping him with his mental and emotional problems during hard times in his life. He also believes that while he is high he can really think deeply about life, come up with thought provoking questions and answers to complicated dilemmas, and he feels a spiritual type of connection to the music’s lyrics and rhythms that he listens to .  

     I wanted to get an up close and personal experience with this culture and with Marijuana without actually smoking it. I also wanted to witness my friend and his reactions throughout the session because it’s not something I’m used to seeing and I wondered if he would become a different person due to the drug. This project documents two friends during a session of smoking out and jamming out. It shows the preparation, process, and effects of the drug while also giving a sneak peek into the life of a regular user.

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Ask Me

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Homage

Under The Orchids {view photos}

These photos were inspired by Gregory Crewdson’s work: Beneath the Roses. I was drawn to this unusual exhibition because they evoked a feeling of uneasiness in me. I found them somewhat disturbing, and they really made me think about what the possible back story of each photo might be. Every photo struck me as a still from a horror movie, and I loved the thought of inducing an uncomfortable and suspenseful feeling, so I decided to go in that “creepy” kind of direction. My sister was my model and I shot these photos at one in the morning. The most fun part about this photoshoot was figuring out the settings I was going to place her in, and playing around with the lighting by using unconventional sources. I had to really think about how I could hide various light sources in frame so that her face would still be illuminated in the darkness. I am really proud of these photos because I really got into the process of making them and I think they turned out pretty good. I’m excited to have them printed and displayed, and I hope everyone enjoys them and that they succeed in stimulating an anxious curiosity.

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Community Project

Tejano Music Awards Fan Fair 2017

When I found out that I was going to be in San Antonio during Spring Break, I was excited because the Tejano Music Awards Fan Fair was going to be held on the day that I arrived. The event was held on March 16th (through the 19th) at the Historic Market Square in downtown San Antonio and featured more than 130 bands from all over Texas. The amazing thing about music and art is that no matter where you go, or what culture you come from, it just has this effect on people that brings joy and unity. I’m glad I had the opportunity to bring along my camera to capture the community coming together to celebrate Tejano music, food, and culture.

People are attracted to music that moves them, one of my photos shows an older couple breaking out into dance in the middle of a crowd as they hear a Tejano band play. Others come for not only the music, but for the delicious food. Every food stand had long lines with hungry guests waiting to eat tacos, gorditas, or elote. People from all ages gathered to have a good time and participate in the activities such as face painting and mini mechanical bull riding. There was even an older gentleman channeling his inner “Hispanic” Elvis Presley by dancing and impersonating the rock and roll legend, which brought smiles to everyone’s faces. I was actually impressed to see how crowded the area was. It was jam packed, but fun to see all the booths, decorations, and everyone out and about. There really is just something about being up at night for a festival that gets you in a good mood. I really felt the sense of community witnessing all of the people around me celebrating the Tejano culture.

[deidralyphotography-blog]

Community Project

Tejano Music Awards Fan Fair 2017 {View Photos}

When I found out that I was going to be in San Antonio during Spring Break, I was excited because the Tejano Music Awards Fan Fair was going to be held on the day that I arrived. The event was held on March 16th (through the 19th) at the Historic Market Square in downtown San Antonio and featured more than 130 bands from all over Texas. The amazing thing about music and art is that no matter where you go, or what culture you come from, it just has this effect on people that brings joy and unity. I’m glad I had the opportunity to bring along my camera to capture the community coming together to celebrate Tejano music, food, and culture.

People are attracted to music that moves them, one of my photos shows an older couple breaking out into dance in the middle of a crowd as they hear a Tejano band play. Others come for not only the music, but for the delicious food. Every food stand had long lines with hungry guests waiting to eat tacos, gorditas, or elote. People from all ages gathered to have a good time and participate in the activities such as face painting and mini mechanical bull riding. There was even an older gentleman channeling his inner “Hispanic” Elvis Presley by dancing and impersonating the rock and roll legend, which brought smiles to everyone’s faces. I was actually impressed to see how crowded the area was. It was jam packed, but fun to see all the booths, decorations, and everyone out and about. There really is just something about being up at night for a festival that gets you in a good mood. I really felt the sense of community witnessing all of the people around me celebrating the Tejano culture.