Jessica Baisden, Indiana University

“Attempt to Say Goodbye”

Graduate student Jessica Baisden created this photograph near Marion, Indiana, as part of her 2009/2010 series Evolution: A Self-Portrait. “I traveled the back country roads scouting locations,” says Baisden, now 26. “The title comes from the struggle that all artists go through with their work at some point. art is a wonderful thing, but there are factors that play into it—including the frustration of creating something that seems perfect in your mind but comes out imperfect on paper.” Her atmospheric portrayal was carefully planned. “I really think about my posing and surroundings before I even consider taking a photo,” says Baisden, who shot this by natural light with a Canon EOS Digital Rebel XR and a 28-70mm lens on a tripod. “When you see me dropping the camera out of my hands, I am letting go of it as the timer goes off on my camera.” The dark marks are texture overlaid from another photo (of rocks). She plans to teach photography after completing her master of fine arts degree. “I want to teach others what I love,” Baisden says. “I have known for a long time what I wanted to do, and it’s always involved photoraphy.” jessicabaisden .blogspot.com