Almost six months ago I embarked on something that scared the heck out of me, but in a good way.
It actually began a little before that at the end of August. Yes, I'm a professional photographer, but I'm also a teaching assistant at Webster Thomas High School. That day in August, I attended the superintendent's opening day meeting for the upcoming school year. Carmen Gumina had some wonderful remarks for the day, but one really hit home. He talked about the fact that we all have stories to tell. By sharing these stories within the One Webster family and beyond, Webster CSD colleagues become even more connected to each other and the students they serve.
As someone who's always been a talker and a lover of being around people, his message really resonated with me. I spend my days, during the school year, working with students, talking with many people learning who they are, what makes them happy how they click. I thrive getting to know people. The photography part of my life finds me creating images of people of who they are, what they like doing in places that they like spending time. It just made sense to combine these two ideas
I'd been searching for a personal project idea and I knew this might be it. I met with Carm and talked about a partnership to allow this idea to come to life. Fortunately, he was on board and the process began.
After hundreds of emails, over thirty interviews, 25 photography sessions and a lot of editing time, the culmination of all that hard work has paid off. My exhibit "We All Have a Story opens today, May 1, at the Webster Public Library.
I'm exhausted, scared, nervous, anxious, excited!
I'm so grateful to the district, Superintendent Carmen Gumina and those who opened up their lives and their hearts to me to create this exhibition. My hope, if you're able, is for you to make some time and come see these unique, emotional collection of images, read the narratives (written by the subjects) and reflect on the fact that as human beings, we all have a story. What's yours?
3 Comments
Feb 11, 2020, 6:48:45 AM
Linda Hayes - Hi Jamie!
Thanks for contacting me. Your compliments mean so much and I do appreciate them.
I'm not sure what you mean by do I have suggestions. Do you mean about places to photograph, locations to display them on Facebook or in public venues?
I don't meet with any start-up groups and the photography organization that I was a part of Greater Rochester Professional Photographers is on hiatus right now. I know there are camera clubs that exist and there used to be a Camera Rochester Club (it may still exist) that has amateurs as well as hobbyists). I would start there perhaps. Our own library in Webster was a great location for displaying of my project work which recently ended it's run. I'll be posting blog entries soon of 20 portraits from part 2 of my project. They also support Webster photographers. Maybe Penfield would do the same?
Being a TA feeds my soul for giving back and helping the youth of our community succeed. I really enjoy it. I hear Penfield is a nice district to work for also.
All the best in your photography endeavors and thank you again for getting in touch!
Feb 7, 2020, 8:39:13 PM
Jamie Best - Hi Linda. Your photography is outstanding! My wife, some friends, and I have recently begun an amateur photography group. We’re trying to find venues to showcase the beauty of outdoor Rochester (and surrounding communities) in the winter time, and are very amaturely just uploading our results as Facebook posts. wondering if you have any suggestions?
Also, any recommendations as to how to become more involved? For example, are there local meetup groups for amateurs, that you know of?
At this point, we’re not looking at income-based work; just developing our ability as more of a hobby. But you’re one of the best around Rochester, so figured I’d leave a comment to see what you think. Thanks!
Incidentally, I’m a TA also, but in Penfield schools.
May 1, 2018, 11:04:50 AM
Kimberly Matteson - I live in Dallas, Texas and cannot attend the exhibit, but I’ve been following the photography of Linda Hayes for decades. I wouldn’t enlist anyone else to capture my family’s portrait, or my son’s senior pictures, if I was in Webster/Rochester. She is warm, insightful and a true professional whom captures personalities and create personal poses that can’t be beat!