For the past nine years, I have photographed women, children, and high school seniors in a commercial context. During that time, I found a signature style that became sought-after and expected from my viewers and clients. While this was good for business, self-imposed criticism emerged. I wanted to be more creative and give my work a more nuanced narrative. When I would try to create personal work, I found myself trapped inside my own head creatively. I feared backlash from colleagues, clients, and anyone else who viewed my work. I feared they would not understand what I was trying to do or say.  

In this series, Trapped, I take my “expected” romanticized style and turn it into a darker and more complex narrative while maintaining the techniques and aesthetics associated with my commercial work as a means of challenging preconceptions about beauty, perfection, and photography more generally.  

Amber Fite