The series In Training (2004-2007) focuses on young, newly enlisted soldiers and their training environments. Many of these soldiers are in Pre-Basic or Basic Training, activities in which soldiers as young as seventeen may participate. These photographs are moments amidst the transformation from civilian teenager to fully trained soldier.
At the very beginning of training, the young privates tend to do things that a fully trained soldier would never do, such as dragging their feet or mumbling when addressing their superior. I am deeply struck by how young these soldiers are, by their physical vulnerability and by the gravity of what is asked of them. When I see these soldiers I often feel a great compassion for them, and my hope is that those viewing these photographs will approach each individual on a personal, human level.
The photographs in this series are made with a 4×5 camera on color negative film and printed as 30×40 inch archival inkjet prints.
At the very beginning of training, the young privates tend to do things that a fully trained soldier would never do, such as dragging their feet or mumbling when addressing their superior. I am deeply struck by how young these soldiers are, by their physical vulnerability and by the gravity of what is asked of them. When I see these soldiers I often feel a great compassion for them, and my hope is that those viewing these photographs will approach each individual on a personal, human level.
The photographs in this series are made with a 4×5 camera on color negative film and printed as 30×40 inch archival inkjet prints.