Melissa Ann Pinney

Melissa Ann Pinney’s photography is very unique. At first when I read that her work is centered on girls growing up in America, I thought, “This is going to be lame.” It turns out, after looking at her work I actually disagree with my first impression. Her work captures the expressions, nature, and beauty in women of all ages. I really like the photo in her “Society Page” of the mothers dancing with their sons. The photo shows that these mothers not only nurture their children, but they also teach them new things such as dancing. Another photo from this set I really liked was the one of the teenage boy and girl dancing. The two look very young, happy, and full of energy. You can tell by the way they are looking into each other’s eyes that they also care a lot about each other. Melissa’s “White Dress Project” also contains well shot images. I like the third one of the young woman in pearls. It isn’t just an ordinary smiling portrait. Her facial expression keeps me wondering if everything is okay with her or not. In a way she seems lost in her elegant lifestyle. I also really like the fifth image of the African American female. The shallow depth of field keeps the focus on the subject. The background of the image is also very extravagant. I like the brick driveway and also the bright colors in this photograph. In her “Girl Ascending” set there is a photo of two young girls with balls tucked under their shirts as though they are pregnant. I think this paints a very accurate picture of a young girl’s dreams. Many of them see how loving their mothers are and they literally want to be them. This photo is very cute. Pinney’s set “Cellar Door Series” is also very creative. I love how along with the girl the house, season, door, and landscape of the yard changes over time. In the “Regarding Emma” set, I really like the photo of the woman in the limousine with the man who appears to be her father. You can tell she is about to be married and she seems anxious while the father doesn’t seem ready to give his little girl away. I wish this photo would be a little more in focus however. In the end, I liked Melissa Ann Pinney’s work and I think she accurately displays women and their roles in America.