Shayne Hood, Alive again (People and Portrait 2017)

Last year I was fortunate enough to place in the top ten in the Black and White category. This year, I thought I would challenge myself and branch out to submit in the portrait category as well. Since I was a child I have been crippled with ongoing depression and anxiety. The diagnosis has lead to constant suicidal ideation and when in the midst of depression I experience a constant detachment with the world around me. I find that photography awards me the opportunity to better connect with my surroundings, it’s granted me a better life in so many ways. As soon as I have a camera in my hand, I feel confident and in touch with reality. Though having mental health difficulties can be challenging from time to time, I’m able to channel a lot of my ill placed feelings, into my photographs. These rushes of energy, allow me to deeply connect with the energies people in front of the lens. I hope when you view my portrait images, you experience the special connections I felt when taking them. I’m so thankful for photography and the opportunity to submit my work again. Shayne Hood aka Johnny Brixton.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.