Neal Schlosburg | Artist | Portrait Photographer

My Picture Tells A Story

The Project

Towards the end of September, I had an idea that became the centerpiece for the upcoming exhibit. It would later become My Picture Tells A Story. What if I had six people tell me their stories, six different stories? What if I used six images on each canvas? It could be a unique Seeing in Sixes project.

Once the concept was born, I needed six volunteers. I decided to take a chance and seek out volunteers where I work. I received more than six volunteers. I took the first six. Johanna, Skyla, Erinn, Billy, Fekadu, and Tim brought My Picture Tells A Story to life

My Picture Tells A Story

Starting in November 2017, over seven months, Billy, Tim, Skyla, Erinn, Fekadu, and Johanna told me their personal stories. During each story session, everyone dressed, sat, spoke, and moved as they chose. They were never rehearsed, prompted, or interrupted. I never spoke. Each story took 30 to 90 minutes to tell. I took 500 to 1,500 images each time. I then chose six in chronological order to tell their story.

From January 2019 through December 2019. Lisa, Shanae, Amanda M., Heather, Brian, Allen, Cristina, Jenny, Sue, Connie, Beverly, Jeremy, Amanda S., and Robin completed the First Twenty Stories.

The Kamala Harris Inspired series began in November 2020. Yuqing, Harlene, Andrea, Barbara, Cora, Mary, Ethel, and Michelle each told their story of what the election of Kamala Harris to Vice President of the United States meant to each of them. There are now 28 stories that are My Picture Tells A Story.

I am grateful to the storytellers for their trust, support, and love in this endeavor. This series would not exist without their willingness to bring My Picture Tells A Story to reality.