I finally got my idea for this assignment as I walked out of class last night. It was already getting dark around 6:00, and as I made my way past the JSB I saw a huge crowd forming. As I got closer I could see that the crowd was the back of a line. I followed the line between the JSB and BRMB and saw that it led to the testing center. I have seen the testing center filled before, but never so packed that the line led all the way back to the MCKB.
One of the things I wanted to accomplish with this assignment was just to shoot what I saw. I didn't look at any of the pictures after I took them, and the 5 that I chose all feature some element that I didn't even see while taking the picture. I really enjoyed this approach because even though I was worried none would turn out, I just kind of relaxed and kind of forced myself to feel the moment.
I've never just taken pictures of random people, but I forced myself to do it. This was too cool a topic for me to pass on. Think about it, after all the work we do in class and studying at home, most of the time it just boils down to which bubbles we fill on the Scantron in that building. The mood is incredibly tense and quiet. Everyone is incredibly focused. I loved capturing people's faces as they all shared this horrible moment. I put my headphones in, hid behind my camera, and took a bunch of pictures. A lot of the outdoor shots turned out blurry because it was already pretty dark, but I like the story that these pictures tell, because I can relate.
Here you can see the line winding back past the BRMB. I like this photo because someone who had just finished taking their test walked out of the building and appears as a blur on the left hand side. I like this because a lot of times this is how we are made to feel, just like a passing blur. One more student pumped through the academic system.
Like I said, I don't usually take pictures of people I don't know, but the line went past the vending machines into the far hallway, and then looped back around before going up the stairs. This is probably my favorite photo because I love the story it tells: The girl who probably just failed a very important test after thinking she'd totally nail it who then looks up to see my camera staring back at her capturing what is probably her lowest moment. I didn't notice at the time, but I love how the camera was able to capture this disgusted look of, "what the heck does he want?".
The line went down this hallway on the left, and then looped back around on the right before heading up the stairs. Most everyone had their faces buried in their notebooks or laptops trying to squeeze in some last minute 'crammage' but this kid who stands a little out of line looks like he is just standing there playing Angry Birds. He looked so relaxed and once again, I didn't even notice him standing there until after I looked through the photos. I like this photo because amidst all the stress and last minute 'crammers', this kid stands out. He is relaxed. I can totally see him looking up at the monitor to see the 67% he just scored on his bio-chem test only to smile and confidently say, "nailed it".
This kid is focused. This is the only picture I took that I was sure would turn out. No one talks in line. It's 80% business, and I'm sure since it's BYU, 20% silent prayers. This kid closed his eyes while looking at his notebook and I took this shot.
This photo is my second favorite. I didn't see this kid at the time, but his yellow hoodie and height make him stand out. Also, his is the only face whose you can see clearly. This room was absolutely silent. I love his expression because in this sea of students packed into this purgatory-like hall, his face perfectly represents what 95% of these students must have been feeling at the exact same time, "God, help me".
This assignment definitely put me outside of my comfort zone, but I would really like to do it again. I have always had my head buried into a notebook any time I walked in that building, so it was very interesting being able to see what that looks like from the outside.
Craig Bishop
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