In a Different Kind of Light


  • Photographer
    Bob Avakian
  • Prize
    Honorable Mention
  • Date of Photograph
    9/2011 to 5/2012
  • Technical Info
    digital photo. nikon d7000

These digital photos were taken in my home town on the island of Martha’s Vineyard, a popular summer vacation destination were the population surges from 15,000 to over 110,000. Rather than focus on the general charm and visual beauty of the island, I have directed my attention towards the solitude and mysteriousness that can be found in isolated scenes within the general landscape. I find it enchanting to see my surroundings in a different way. I use long exposures at night and find a familiar sight can be transformed into the unfamiliar and sometimes into a world of its own.

Story

In a Different Light

These photos were taken in my home town on the island of Martha’s Vineyard which is located 7 miles off the southern coast of Massachusetts. It is sometimes referred to as a “one of a kind celebrity playground”.

The winter population of the “Vineyard” is around 15,000. During the summer months
the population surges to well over 110,000 and, as you would think, a multitude of businesses open up to provide amenities and activities for everyone. So, for 3 months the place just rocks. Beaches and streets are so full of people that the small town character is completely transformed.

While there is so much glamour on the island that attracts summer visitors, I have chosen to look the other way in these photographs. Rather than photograph the charm and other attractions found here, I have focused my attention to show that there is enchantment in the peace and solitude that can be found when you look at your surroundings in a
different way. I search out isolated scenes from within the general landscape which
contain a mysterious quality to them. By using long exposures at night, I find that
a familiar sight can be transformed into the unfamiliar and sometimes into a world of its own.

As summer ends and the days get shorter, the summer visitors gradually leave and the
Island is given back to its year round residents. Businesses close and quiet returns.
To me, these months are just as good if not better.

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