“Slump of Silence” by Tammy Ares

I am pursuing my Master’s degree in photography at the Academy of Art. For my final project, I have chosen to focus on menopause, an often misunderstood and underrepresented phase in women’s lives. This self-portrait project serves as a deeply personal exploration of my experiences while aiming to illuminate the broader challenges faced by many women during this transitional period.

My current project examines the multifaceted world of menopause through the lens of fine art photography. Driven by personal experiences with loved ones navigating this transition, I aim to challenge the stigma and silence surrounding this natural phase of life. By weaving together metaphor, symbolism, and evocative imagery, I hope to create a visual narrative that resonates with women on a deeply personal level, sparking recognition, understanding, and perhaps even a sense of shared experience.

Each image is meticulously crafted, carefully focusing on lighting, composition, and color grading. Soft, diffused light often sets the stage, creating an intimate atmosphere that invites viewers to connect with the subject’s vulnerability and strength. Symbolic elements, such as flowers and mirrors, are strategically incorporated to evoke themes of transformation, identity, the cyclical nature of life, and the shedding of old roles. A soft, feminine aesthetic pervades the images, reflecting the delicate balance between fragility and resilience that defines this life stage.

This particular image conveys the relentless fatigue that characterizes menopause for so many. It reflects a tiredness that lingers, unbound by the time of day, and serves as a metaphor for the physical and emotional exhaustion that can overshadow daily life. By capturing this struggle visually, the work seeks to resonate with viewers, fostering empathy and understanding for what is often an unseen and unspoken battle. This project aims to create a space for dialogue, validation, and a shared recognition of these collective experiences.

What are the TWO most impactful features that make your image a good photograph? Don’t be shy!

The two most impactful features of this image are the soft color palette and the intentional positioning of my body, both of which work together to create a sense of harmony and emotional resonance. The soft hues evoke a delicate, feminine quality that enhances the image’s overall mood, while the composition of my body adds a sense of groundedness and introspection.

Every element in the frame is deliberately considered, from the gentle curves of my posture to the way the light interacts with the scene. This careful attention to detail results in an image that feels cohesive, emotionally evocative, and visually well-balanced

If you could make this photo again, what would be the ONE thing you would like to do better or different?

If I were to reshoot this image, I would incorporate more of my hair into the composition to enhance the texture and visual interest. Allowing the hair to flow more prominently would add a dynamic element to the image, introducing subtle movement and creating a contrast against the softer tones of the overall palette.

Tammy Ares shared this photograph with the FRAMES Facebook Group.

Photographer

Tammy Ares, DC, USA

Equipment and settings

Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z DX 11-140mm f/3.5-6.3
23mm, 1/20 sec., f4.5, ISO640

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