Akito Tsuda's Example

A large majority of Akito Tsuda's photographs from the Pilsen Days A neighborhood collection take place inside the homes of the residents of Pilsen. This leads the audience to insinuate the trust and care that existed between Mr. Tsuda and the residents. 

This photograph depicts two women who I am assuming are sisters or at least have a family-like bond, getting ready in what seems to be their bedroom or at least the bedroom of one of the two ladies.

At first sight, this scene is not only candid and beautifully composed, but it also provides some information as to what the lives of these ladies might look like. This photograph could have been taken on a Saturday evening when the ladies were getting ready to go out, or maybe just a simple afternoon when they were getting ready to go run some errands. 

Regardless of the context in which this photograph was taken, what strikes me the most is the relationship between these two women. One of them seems to already be ready, sitting on the bed, lost in thought. Her posture indicates that she's exhausted while the other woman stands upright, probably lost in thought as well, but in a more superficial making sure her eyeliner is just right type of way. 

These two contrasting personalities within one family strongly resonate to me and my relationship with my twin sister. Although we shared a womb and share a mother, we couldn't be more different. 

Witnessing the beauty that comes as a result of photographing a single moment between family inspired me to then turn to the women and my life and explore our relationships through my camera lens.

Using photography as a tool to explore the contrasting personalities between my sister and me was made possible by exploring the work of Mr. Tsuda and the work of other amazing photographers like Carrie Mae Weems and Latoya Ruby Frazier. 

But what stands out to me the most about the work by Mr. Tsuda is the added pressure of photographing subjects that are not yourself. Being able to capture the personalities of these two women successfully without any relation to them adds complexity to this body of work. 

With his work but with this photograph specifically, Mr. Tsuda proves to his audience that family life and candid moments are worth photographing and most importantly, can be considered art.