By Lydia Wright
For the past several months, senior art major Julia Hembree has submitted a number of photos she has taken to an online archive of Vogue Italia called “PhotoVogue.”
Photographers can create a profile and submit up to two photos a day on the site with the hopes of getting published. Hembree created a profile and began submitting pictures every day until she finally got one approved to appear in the archive.
The photo was a part of HelpPortrait at RIFA which is an event that allows photographers to reach out to the community and provide self-portraits to those who cannot afford to get their pictures taken professionally.
“I was helping shoot when a man came in who did not speak English. I had to use hand gestures in order for him to understand what to do. He was very kind and grateful for the photo. I have no clue what his story is or where he came from, but this photograph is something I will remember.
“It amazes me that a man who could often be looked at as an outcast in our community got a spot on Vogue Italia. But, I also think that speaks to the photography being accepted currently. People desire to see truth and humanity. Vogue is not all about fashion and riches.”
Including the picture of the man from HelpPortrait, Hembree currently has two photos accepted on Vogue’s website.
A photojournalism minor, Hembree has also done a lot of photography and cover work for the Women’s Co-Op book and may have something appear soon in Barista Magazine.
“I have a lot to learn still and am learning more and more what it looks like to trust in the Lord and be patient in planning and the future,” she said.
