Jada Carlson
May 13, 2019
Introspection: the examination or observation of one’s own mental and emotional processes.
LHS junior Jada Carlson has mastered the art of introspection with her portraits, both of herself and others.
“My self portraits are very spontaneous and in the moment. I hardly plan ahead for those photos rather, I shoot five to ten photos in whatever lighting and background I have,” said Carlson. “With my portraits I do of other people, I try to emulate their personality through different techniques I’ve learned from various things, from books, to documentaries and, of course, social media.”
Part of Carlson’s success on social media stems from her open and vulnerable perspective on mental health. The emotions associated with adolescent years are often complex and unexplainable, but Carlson has the ability to interpret and display them through minimalistic images that hold a much deeper meaning.
“With my self-portraits, I take whatever emotion I’m feeling in that moment and try to convey it in a simplistic photo,” said Carlson. “If they convey the right message, they’re in. If not, I don’t photograph that emotion until I feel it again, if ever.”
More from the artist: ([email protected])