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Stylist

Stylist

Samuel Harris
August 13, 2017
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Stylist is a mini-series of an unnamed abandoned hotel in Columbus, OH. Simple in delivery, it is a documentation of a small interim in time where what once was a destination, is something to be used as an example of a temporary state. I wanted to highlight the main point that nothing is important unless you make it important, no matter the subject matter, how long it may last, or how you document it. The moment you write about, take a photo of, or even speak of something, it has now become something to pay attention to. Documentation in any form is one of our best ways to share what matters to us and it inspires others to explore their own surroundings. Whether it be your home, your neighborhood, your capital, etc., it becomes something to care about once you show others why it must be shared.



Being completely honest, I have always wanted to explore this location after passing by it several times on my way to work. Once a building, alleyway, or even a shadow on a rooftop draws me in once, I want to keep exploring all around it to find more pieces of art within the mundane / often passed by. I actually got off the wrong exit and accidently stumbled upon the abandoned hotel, deciding at that point to embrace it all and run around the area as long as I could. I always carry my film camera with me and luckily I had a roll of Fujifilm Superia-XTRA 400 in my bookbag.

What was supposed to only be a 5 minute look-around, turned into an hour long trail of incredible photos of the hotel that paired immensely well alongside the pinkish hues that Superia-XTRA 400 film offers. What I love about street photography is the pure documentation of the surroundings around you whether it be the buildings, people's interactions, reflections of a local shop's sign on a nearby puddle, etc. I allowed my surroundings to guide me on what to photograph. Although it may sound extremely cheesy, I never try to overthink what I "should" or "should not" shoot, it is whatever feels natural to me. I tried to pick out objects that explained a different time in this hotel, objects that just by looking at them, the viewer could picture those item's designated placement and the purpose they each offered at a different time. I wanted to convey how destroyed, lost, and vandalized this area made me feel while wandering around the small area.


No major editing was done besides minor cropping and image cleanup in Adobe Lightroom. Since I scan the film myself, oftentimes I must edit out minor dust particles or a hair from the final film that appeared when scanning my negatives. With film, I never edit the colors.

Camera: Canon Rebel G

Film: Fujifilm Superia-XTRA 400






With this being my first photography series, I learned how to formulate a cohesive series of photos that allowed the viewer to see my interpretation of the story, but also allowed them to inject their own interpretation of my work as well. I have now since created two new photography series, using this as a basis for both and for more in the future. Also to not spend too much time in a closed off area, you feel as though you could be surprised by anyone at any given time!

Thank you for viewing my work and if you would like to see more, visit my website and Instagram.

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/goosesamuel

Website: http://www.samueladamharris.com

Samuel Harris

Photographer based in Columbus, OH.

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