Students Reading

Admittedly I have spent more time than I care to admit engrossed between the covers of a good book. A summer day has few other motivations greater than that urge to find a tree, and start reading, and never come back to reality.

When I first came on campus I was amazed to see how many people were reading. Little did I know that I would soon be joining their ranks... this memory came to mind when I read something about the great photographers of days past. It said that there is only a few thin strands that link all of humankind. Those photographers all tried to show those strands and to me, reading is one of them, it is a sobering truth that much of the world is illiterate, and it seems a paradox that those of who can read don't appreciate it near as much as those who don't know what mysteries lie in the printed word.

As I walked around campus, even on a somewhat chilly afternoon, there was still a few dedicated readers with their noses in books.

The first picture I love because it could have been me... jeans and a hoodie, with a tree to scratch my back on... the second picture might be my favorite because it talks. Most pictures are pretty silent, but the rake in the background seems to make all the difference. If reading is a link common to all humans, so is the idea of giving up work for leisure.. who needs to rake leaves anyways? :)

The third picture actually sparkles if you could see it big. and the low level makes it seem like you're on the grass glancing over, which I was...

The last picture might be my second favorite. I still have this fear of photographing people... because everyone looks at you really funny. But I couldn't pass this one up, the wind was blowing, so the leaves, her scarf, and her hair were all getting tossed. Notice her hand on her books.

Some photographers try to show a certain emotion, or maybe have a favorite action or subject, or composition. I'm not sure what I want to say yet. But what I do know is that I want my photographs to bring back memories. When anyone looks at my work, I don't want them to wonder why I took it or how, I want them to think back on their own lives and remember a time when the same thing happened to them.

-Alex Mageno