documentary » Karissa Carlson

Final Project-Krinda

Krinda Artist Statement

My sister, Krinda Joy Carlson, is a very high achieving person. She seems to excel at everything she does. She has maintained a perfect 4.0 grade point average throughout her undergraduate years, set school records in track and field, and, as an English major, received numerous awards and recognition for her writing. However, as her sister, I see her struggles as well as her successes, her stress as well as her joy, and her vulnerability as well as her strength.

These images document Krinda’s last month as a student and athlete for Saint Martin’s University. As class valedictorian and captain of the track and field and cross country team, her immediate smile and exuberant personality often convince people she always has everything under control. However, individuals like Krinda, who seem never to fail, are often misunderstood. I want to show the Krinda that I see, the one that is only human…the Krinda that struggles with her own exacting standards for herself, the Krinda who sometimes fears failure and always strives to do the best she can in everything she does. For, I believe it is her genuineness and integrity of character, not just her successes, that earns the respect and affection of those around her.

Graduating Summa Cum Laude, Krinda waits with fellow graduates to enter the auditorium on May 8th, 2010.

Krinda delivers her valedictorian speech to hundreds during Saint Martin's University's Commencement Ceremony on May 8th, 2010.

SMU Invite, May 1st, 2010, Krinda competes in the 1500m Run.

Krinda prepares to go on a cool down run after runnning the 1500m at the SMU Invite on May 1st, 2010.

Krinda prepares to give her senior thesis defense argument on April 30th, 2010.

Krinda works on her senior thesis essay in her room on April 14, 2010.

Krinda reads her Bible the morning before her senior thesis defense on April 30th, 2010.

Krinda worries about her senior thesis essay, April 15, 2010.

Krinda presents her "Letters of Worth" autobiography from her Spiritual Autobiography Class on April 27th, 2010.

Friends gather to play games and celebrate Krinda's graduation on May 8th, 2010.

Krinda plans to move to Hawaii with her brother in the fall, where she will pursue a massage therapy degree and begin expanding "Letters of Worth" into a full book. Thereafter, she plans to receive her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing.

Krinda Soundslides Slideshow: Work in Progress

This is about half the length and content that will go into the final slideshow which follows my sister’s journey through graduation. The project is for my Documentary Photography class. The full slideshow will come next week!

NOTE: At the end of the slideshow, the pictures move really fast, that is because I am planning to add more audio and more pictures. The final show will be about twice as long as this.

Krinda Graduated!

On May 8th, Saint Martin’s University held their Commencement ceremony. The day marked the official end of Krinda’s undergraduate journey.

It was exciting, stressful, and surreal all at the same time for Krinda. Grandparents, friends, and my family came from all over the state to support her.

: Krinda reviews her speech on May 8th, 2010.

I remember Krinda telling me a few weeks ago that she cried on the last day of one of her classes. She says she will actually miss school. When graduation day finally came, I could tell she had mixed emotions about leaving Saint Martin’s.

: Krinda delivers her valedictorian speech to hundreds during Saint Martin’s University’s Commencement Ceremony.

As Krinda began her valedictorian speech, she shouted out with confidence, “Just checkin’ to see if everyones awake…everybody awake out there?” The crowd roared with applause and laughter (I personally think it was because the previous speaker was quite boring and long winded).

: Krinda visits the hotel room of her family before going out to celebrate with friends and family on May 8th, 2010.

: “Catch Phrase” is the popular game at Krinda’s graduation party.

Later that night, friends gathered to celebrate with Krinda and two of her graduating friends.

Krinda and her brother, Capt. Nathan Carlson, contemplate a question raised in a game at her graduation party.

: Friends watch a video of Krinda’s graduation speech later that night.

Update: Krinda

This past week has been really busy for Krinda. She had Scholar’s Day and a presentation on Tuesday, Senior Thesis Defense on Friday, and her last season track meet on Saturday.

Krinda is awarded to the All Conference Academic Team in Track and Cross Country

Krinda presents her "Letters of Worth" autobiography from her Spiritual Autobiography Class.

While I was super proud of her, I definitely did not envy her, having to speak in front of all those people! And her senior thesis defense was pretty nerve racking, but she pulled through excellently (of course)!

Krinda waits to give her senior thesis presentaion.

Saturday was a pretty emotional day not only for Krinda, but for me as well. I have a lot more photos but I’ll only post a few for now.

SMU teammates pray before the 800m Run.

Long Shot Photo-thon 2010

As a class assignment in Documentary Photography, we had an option of participating in the Photo Center Northwest Long Shot Photo-thon. The event is open to anyone and everyone. The idea is to photograph for a full twenty-four hour period, asking people to pledge money for every hour you shoot. It is designed to raise funds for the Photo Center NW and to support local photographers and artists. Shooting for a day straight? And for a good cause? What fun!

So, the Photo-thon kicked off Friday night at 6 PM and ended at 6 PM on Saturday. My classmate Miranda and I wanted to choose a theme so we wouldn’t be wandering around aimlessly with our cameras. I remembered London based “street” photographer Nick Turpin whose street portraits are really dramatic and interesting. He uses snooted strobes balanced with ambient light to create mini studios on the street and to add drama to everyday scenes. I particularly liked his Bridge series. So, Miranda and I decided to do street portraits Friday night, a la “Strobist” style.

Our first set-up was on the path near Capital Lake. Since it was cold and gloomy, there were not very many people out and about. Plus, because this was the first time I’ve ever asked strangers to take their portraits (I’m naturally shy), I think I overcompensated and got a little too enthusiastic. I practically ran at the first person I asked, explaining I was doing a project and if I could take her picture. She just stared at me and shook her head. After that, I learned to be a little more subtle.

Since the walkers and joggers around Capital Lake were getting very few and far in between, we decided to pack up and move to a more central location downtown.

We decided on this orange wall near 4th Street. As it got darker, the street lamps shining through the trees created some pretty crazy shadows. I was amazed at how many people consented to having their photo taken. Some kid even asked me if it cost money! “No, not at all!” I replied.

I was also intrigued by all the different characters we met. There are definitely some crazies out there. We couldn’t get this one guy to leave us alone; he must have talked to us about nonsense for fifteen minutes straight. I just looked at Miranda, pretending to listen but really trying not to laugh. A few people were really interested in what we were doing; a lot of people asked me what kind of camera I was using. Some people even thought our snooted flash was some sort of “gun”…uh it is “flash gun”, I guess!

The photo above is by far my favorite from the evening. This man consented to having his photo taken so graciously. I titled it “Memories” because he looks like he is really contemplating something.

These two were an interesting pair. They really got into posing and talked with us for a while afterward. It is interesting how taking someone’s portrait can establish a form of connection; I found that sometimes the person you are photographing will open up to you and tell you things about their lives that you would have never even asked about!

This was a fun couple. Before the photo the girl asked me if she needed to get rid of her cigarette. I said, “No!” I like how it adds a little red glow to her hand.

I found another photographer participating in the Long Shot Photo-thon!

For our last set-up, we moved around the corner and bounced the light off a shop window (there is also a snooted strobe below the person for a highlight).

I love this photo. He was distracted by some loud street noises and gave me this adorable, timid look! However , by this time it was almost ten o’clock. Miranda and I were both tired and a little wary because of the arrival of more and more shady characters. We decided to call it a night… we were both too tired to try and shoot through the night. So we decided to resume the Photo-thon the next day.

Saturday morning I had a track meet to go to…along came camera. I was not only photographing for the Long Shot project, but also for my final project in Documentary Photography (a story on my sister’s last few weeks at college).

I mostly focused on photographing my sister, but I got a few other interesting shots like the one above.

Participating in the Long Shot Photo-thon was really fun and really exhausting… and I didn’t even make it the full twenty-four hours! Now I just need to decide which ten images to submit. Out of the ten that a participant sends, at least one if chosen for inclusion in the Long Shot Exhibition on June 4th!

Documenting a Single Person: Krinda

Krinda Carlson, 22, waits to cross the street after attending church at Capitol Christian Center. A member of the youth ministry team, she is passionate about helping kids face the challenges of this new generation.

Krinda Carlson is a senior at Saint Martin’s University, majoring in English with a concentration in creative writing. She has maintained a 4.0 grade point average throughout her four years at SMU, and she is the co-valedictorian for the class of 2010. In addition to her academic dedication, Krinda is also an athlete, co-captain of both the cross country an track and field team. This series attempts to capture her energy. Confidence in herself and in her faith is the driving force behind this energy that keeps her motivated and moving. I am fascinated that even through all her commitments and responsibilities, she is able to be such a giving, extroverted person. Always quick to smile, Krinda possesses an exuberance which she applies to everything …whether it be academics, athletics, family, friendships, or faith.

Krinda styles her hair before attending church at Capital Christian Center in Lacey,Wa.

Krinda races across the street on her way to church on April 16th, 2010.

Saint Martin's students gather for a study group organized by Krinda.

Her hands always moving quickly, Krinda constructs an art project for her Social Theory class.

Krinda runs with her track and field teammates on Saint Martin's University campus. She has been running since she was twelve years old; she also won a state championship in the 800m Run in high school.

Life Support

I was born with an inherited, genetic disorder called Phenylketonuria (or PKU). It is a rare disorder, affecting only one out of every ten thousand births. My body is lacking an enzyme that is able to process the amino acid phenylalanine (found in protein) into tyrosine. Since I cannot process this amino acid, it builds up in my body like poison. The only way to stay healthy (and as a child, to develop normally neurologically) is to maintain an extremely low protein diet. However, since one cannot live without adequate amounts of protein, I must drink a medical formula called Phenyl -Free HP2. It is my life support. Every morning it is my ritual to make this formula. I used to hate the chore, but now I am learning to respect the process. It is a very mundane task, mixing powder and water and using a blender, yet a necessary one that I must continue for the rest of my life. In this series, I wanted to present the task from my new found perspective of appreciation. Being incredibly expensive, I do not take the medical formula for granted. I am thankful, for without Phenyl-Free, I would not be able to enjoy the activities nor live the life I do today.