JuileahClaar

My love for photography began in my high school darkroom, where I first learned to develop film and fell in love with the magic of images coming to life. But time took its course—college, career, family—and the camera got pushed aside for many years.

I studied anthropology in college, which deepened my fascination with people, culture, and everyday human stories. That perspective now shapes my approach to documentary and street photography, where I aim to capture genuine, unposed moments.

When my family moved to Switzerland in 2016, surrounded by stunning new landscapes and a bustling city, I picked up my camera again and rediscovered that old passion. I later completed an advanced study digital photography program to refine my skills and vision, and I eventually even returned to film photography after a 25-year hiatus—drawn back to the tactile, deliberate process that first inspired me.

I’m inspired by the beauty in everyday, ordinary life—those moments most people might walk past without noticing. Since returning to film photography in 2021, I’ve fallen in love with the grain, the grit, and the unpredictable magic of getting just one shot.

For me, perfection isn’t what photography is about. I’m drawn to imperfection—crooked lines, visual texture, quirky colors—and I often combine images to create work that invites the viewer to pause, reflect, and interpret.

My style blends documentary and street photography, focused on capturing honest, unstaged moments from everyday life. I’m drawn to subtle scenes that carry emotion or atmosphere—little things that typically remain unnoticed.

Early on, my approach was very technical; I wanted everything to be “right.” Over time, especially after returning to film, I’ve learned to embrace imperfection and intuition. Now I am willing to sacrifice precision to create feeling. I often shoot from the hip, chasing moments that feel alive and authentic. My work has become more about storytelling than aesthetics, and lately I’ve been experimenting with layering images to add depth and unexpected connections.

My street series, Re:Vision, is a visual exploration of how the everyday world bends and reshapes itself through reflection. Using puddles, mirrors, windowpanes, and unexpected reflective surfaces—like chrome ashtrays—this series reveals moments where reality becomes fragmented, layered, or quietly surreal.

Across these images, ordinary urban scenes are transformed into something more ambiguous: a puddle becomes a sky, a storefront glass holds two worlds at once, and light bounces off objects in ways that confuse scale and space. The familiar becomes strange. The overlooked becomes central.

Shot on both film and digital, Re:Vision invites viewers to slow down and consider how often we experience the world through surfaces that distort, multiply, or quietly reveal things we might otherwise miss.

I hope the images encourage people to slow down and look twice. So much of life passes by unnoticed, and reflections—whether in puddles, windows, or odd shiny objects—offer these fleeting, in-between moments that can feel almost dreamlike.

I want viewers to question what they’re seeing, to feel a quiet sense of disorientation or curiosity. Maybe even a little wonder. If the photos make someone pause and see the world around them a bit differently—or notice beauty in something they’d normally ignore—then I’ve accomplished what I set out to do.

Photography is my way of connecting—with the world, with moments, and with myself. It helps me pause and truly see the details and emotions that often go unnoticed in daily life. On a personal level, it’s a form of meditation and storytelling—a way to capture fleeting feelings and preserve memories that might otherwise slip away.

Through photography, I find clarity, meaning, and a deeper appreciation for the beauty in both the ordinary and the extraordinary.

I hope to encourage curiosity, reflection, and a deeper awareness of the world’s textures—both literal and emotional. Ultimately, I want to celebrate imperfection, ambiguity, and the richness found in the in-between.

Honestly, my first reaction was “wow!” I was both surprised and incredibly honored. Receiving an Honorable Mention—especially as one of only ten recognized in the street category—felt really special.

It’s humbling to know that the work resonated with the judges and connected with others. Moments like this remind me why I keep creating: not for awards, but for the shared experience of seeing and feeling through images.

I dream of publishing a photo book that brings together my film and digital work in a cohesive narrative. I also hope to collaborate with other artists and mentors to both learn and share knowledge.

Ultimately, I want to keep growing as an artist, pushing boundaries, and creating images that inspire curiosity and connection.