For my photo project I decided to capture and document the 9/11 stair climb on the University of Maine Orono Campus. I personally completed the stair climb while finding moments to step aside and take photos as well. The goal was to climb a total of 100 steps 21 times. The event took a faster and challenging pace for some, and a slow struggle for others. Groups were formed to spread out across the bleachers while still climbing the stairs together. In the end we all completed a shared challenge and came together to remember those who sacrificed their life 25 years ago.
The Maine Campus, a student journalism group made a story on the event, capturing the reasoning and comradery of the event. The link can be found here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdSDXJoBcYC/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&stkn=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
In the third image “Smile in a time of Somber”, a leader of a group is seen smiling and looking at the camera. While a smile in a somber context might draw criticism, it highlights the warmth, camaraderie, and positive spirit of the stair climbers coming together to push through a shared struggle in honor of those who sacrificed their lives.
COLBYS CRITIQUE
- Maybe add a picture of a bandana on a railing or a step that could act as an introduction to the project or a photo that isn’t focused on the people but instead the environment that the climb took place. It could also be cool to get a picture either at the top of the steps or from afar to get a scope of how many steps had to be climbed for this event. Lastly, it could be cool to add a shot of someone struggling to do the climb (maybe showcasing sweat or hands on knees/catching their breath) to show the struggle of the climb