Last night I went on an IG muting spree. I muted about 14 photography accounts and a host of others that I didn’t feel were adding value to my viewing experience. The artists, I muted because I was tired of seeing the same thing over and over again. Some I unfollowed out of professional jealousy (yes, I suffer from impostor syndrome). Others I unfollowed because their work had a recycled feel to it. I get that everything has been done before but we are in a season of uninteresting imagery in the name of defying convention. I mean, glossy and airbrushed images had their moment. For a long time (that has never been my style). But this collective shift to poorly lit people in muted tones and fake shallow depth of field makes me cringe during the times I choose to relieve my stress and be inspired, hello Instagram. If I see one more fashion story shot on a tennis court that has nothing to do with tennis I might delete my whole shit. A strong case can be made that many of us are inspired by the same masters, however, some just mirror what’s hot in the streets (VSCO does make some cool filters. If that’s your thing). I miss originality. I miss the thrill of discovering a fresh perspective. Something new…
Dana Scruggs is a photographer based in Brooklyn, NY USA. I remember reading she studied photography at Youtube University. Youtube is an amazing place. You really can learn anything. I’m often drawn to artists that don’t take the traditional route of MFA programs or assisting a big name. They serve as constant reminders that you just have to keep working. Anyway, I was initially drawn to the way her subjects fill the frame. Reminiscent of an Ernie Barnes painting, her subjects are often long limbed and in motion, frozen in time. She uses shadow like a paint brush. Deliberate. You can tell she takes her time. Dana Scruggs is the first woman to photograph an athlete for ESPN’s The Body Issue. There is an awesome article about Dana if you want to learn more about her.
Dana Scruggs for ESPN
Screenshot of Dana Scruggs Instagram @danascruggs