Artist Lecture: Todd Hido

I was fortunate enough to meet with the visiting artist, Todd Hido, this past month. Meeting with him opened my eyes to many new artists and concepts found in my work. I realized certain things about my work that I never once thought of before until he spoke to me. After showing him all my work and what I have done the past two years, he could tell right off where I was heading and the direction I wanted to go in. He told me that through it all, there was definitely a sense of narration showing through and even though I have used the body and form in much of my work, it all told a story. He was referring to much of my recent work, which I feel the closest to. Getting into narrative photography last semester has helped me develop something more deep and personal in my images that I never thought would appear in my work. And it really was not until I met with Todd that I really thought this about my work. You never really think your work is good until told by someone higher up and hearing it from Todd really inspired me to continue with what I am doing. I was in a rut and still kind of am in a rut with what I am doing, but I feel like I have more sense of direction and knowing of where I am going. Todd introduced me to many photographers whom he thought reminded him of me, which I am very fortunate for. After leaving my meeting with Todd I felt very inspired not only by his words, but his work and the work of other photographers he showed me.