So In Conclusion...

For several reasons beyond my power, I'm sad to say I wasn't able to complete my "Women In Bluegrass" series for this final photography project. It actually upsets me and I would love to do it next semester because I thought it was a really cool concept, taking photos of bluegrass music's pioneers from the1950's and replacing all the men with women. Alas, it just wasn't meant to be.

On a better note I did come up with another series of photographs. Before now I was thinking in terms of an elaborate, complex series to help portray an otherwise simple form of art. When you break it down, bluegrass music is about simple things: momma, daddy, a little cabin on the hill and a good hearted woman. Even sad bluegrass songs always have a harmony and a melody to put a smile on your face. It takes a talented musician to play a sad song on an instrument and make you happy while doing it.

This series, I feel, is intended to portray simple black and white photos of simple, hand crafted instruments that are predominantly used to create a traditional, "homey" style of music. Before posting my own work, I'd like to post one of my all time favorite portraits that I feel goes along with this theme:

I've searched and dug and looked under every theoretical rock on the internet but for the life of I have no idea who the photographer of this portrait is. Anyway...
This is a picture of Bill Monroe, the "Father of Bluegrass". I adore this picture for a few reasons. First of all, I think the contrast is great. His suit vs. the background and the dark wood of his mandolin...I think it's beautiful. And the way he's holding his 1923 Gibson like it's his world...it's so simple. Effortless beauty. That's what I see in the music he created. That's what I'd hoped to capture in these next photos. I hope you enjoy them. :)