Written by Ashley Mercado

Photo Edited by Christiana Nelson

Society often tends to minimize poverty-ridden regions as places that do not have an identity outside of their economical issues. Instead of capturing these regions as places with community, beautiful landscapes, scenery, landmarks, etc. Regions that are more than their financial problems, but are homes for many as they continue to build their lives in places that have been broadcasted to us as continuously falling apart. As a result of this, some photographers choose to monetize the suffering of others in these regions. Stacy Kranitz however is not one of these photographers.

Kranitz’s, “As it was given to me” captures the Appalachian region of the United States for what it truly is. A region that is enriched with culture, nature, love, families, religion, etc. By seeing Kranitz’s stunning imagery she simultaneously displays the unfortunate aftermath of diminishing a region to their struggles. The consequence of this is not having more opportunities to see the fuller picture of what a place has to offer. As well as having a mass of people be more privy to being ignorant about places that they have never set foot in because of the media that is available to them about these places. We need to understand that when navigating countries where we are not from, we try our best to not be ignorant in our attempt to capture the true essence of these places.

Kranitz spent 10 years in the Appalachian region of the United States and in her time here she has presented to us images that show different aspects of this region. She captures gorgeous scenery of mountains and sunsets displaying the beauty that lies within the woods of the Appalachian region. We see intimate photos of a couple who are presumably in their home in a jacuzzi tub lying naked as they hug one another. She displays what the community looks like among residents in this region. Whether it's a couple embracing one another tightly as they lie instead of a jacuzzi or children excitedly taking pictures with a man that is dressed in traditional Native American clothing. Kranitz shows the essence of community in this region in these two very different ways but still nonetheless displays two very distinct forms of togetherness.

I believe that when media exclusively shows the poverty that exists in these regions many of us have a subconscious thought that the people who live here are constantly struggling and therefore are miserable. However, by capturing the everyday lives of the people in the Appalachian regions Kranitz proves that this is far from the truth. She shows people continuing to live their everyday lives despite the economic state that their region is in. Whether it's the young lady posing at the poolside or the dozen or so people behind her enjoying a day at the pool with their family or friends. Or the group of men in church bending down and praying. Kranitz doesn't strive to capture positivity or negativity in her photos. She is capturing what is being seen by her, and by doing so she overturns the notion that there needs to be a savior complex when taking photos in poverty-stricken regions. Kranitz does not want to interfere with this region, she wants us to understand it for what is it through her images. When seeing these photos it is refreshing to not see any political input or intent in the discussion. Instead, we can do what is not often done when seeing photos of regions like this and enjoy it for what it is.

Aug 18 Book Review: As It Was Give(n) to Me by Stacy Kranitz

Aug 19 Art Out: Hours and Days, Still, And, STEVE MCCURRY: INDIA

Aug 17 Woman Crush Wednesday: Tammy-Mariah Gill

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