EMULATING MAPPLETHORPE

For my Darkroom Photography class, we were tasked with emulating a photographer who inspires us. I chose Robert Mapplethorpe, whose work is known for its striking balance of elegance and edge. His bold use of contrast, form, and intimacy challenged me to think differently about composition and how light can shape a subject. In this project, I experimented with similar themes of structure and vulnerability, while adding my own perspective through the lens. It was both a technical and creative exercise that pushed me outside of my usual style and deepened my appreciation for the craft of film photography.