Julia Widen ’24 is a four-year Senior from Bronxville, New York. She started taking photography her Lower Mid year. Widen has served as co-captain of Girls Varsity Field Hockey and Varsity Track & Field and co-head of St. Luke’s Society.
How did you become involved with the photography program?
My involvement in photography started in my Lower Mid year, after I switched out of the music program. It was bittersweet at first, as I had to quit playing the piano to enroll in photo class, but I am happy with how everything has turned out. I think photography will continue to be a lifelong passion of mine, along with music.
Who are some of your favorite photographers and styles?
Ryan McGinley and Cindy Sherman are two of my favorite photographers— McGinley for his photos’ youthfulness and natural settings, and Cindy Sherman for her self-portraiture and theatrical approach. Contemporary and postmodern photography have both inspired me at different stages during my time at the school.
Can you tell us a bit about your artistic process?
Over the past three years, my work has evolved from being controlled and literal to being more conceptual. When I had a more basic understanding of photography techniques and methods, I asked models to perform exaggerated poses to express emotional scenes. However, as my skills developed, I became more confident in utilizing composition and my own intuition to allow underlying concepts to reveal themselves in my work.
What have been some of your favorite experiences with photography?
One of my favorite experiences so far has been my Senior portfolio photography class. I’ve become friends with so many people I don’t think I would have otherwise, which has made my art-making experiences fun and fulfilling. The bonds we’ve been able to form as a class, as well as with our teachers, Mr. Lock and Mrs. MacMillan, have made me so passionate about photography.
What advice would you give to aspiring photographers?
Focus less on perfecting each individual photo and more on simply getting out there and taking pictures. Experimentation is key to discovering your personal style. By taking as many photos as possible, your creativity will naturally start to infuse your work. This is when you can recognize and refine your unique approach. The less time you spend planning and overthinking, the better. Embrace action in your process, as it will lead you to create unique, individual work that truly reflects you.
