essay what's in my bag

 

For my photo assignment, I chose to document what people carry with them each day. I believe these belongings act as reflections of identity, revealing interests, values, and priorities. In many ways, they function as self-portraits, extending the individual into the objects they keep close. To highlight this idea, I photographed each set of items in a spread, arranged neatly to resemble a “collection” or personal library.

I selected three subjects: Ksenia, Delainey, and myself.

Ksenia carries a small purse filled with essentials: an EPI-PEN, a snack, and—most distinctively—a Pokémon card. She rotates which card she brings, making it a playful signature of her everyday routine.

Delainey’s backpack tells the story of long nights in the studio. Inside are her iPad, a detailed to-do list, and an assortment of snacks to sustain her through hours of creative work.

My own belongings reflect my passion for memory-keeping. I carry everything I need to update my scrapbook, ensuring I can preserve moments as they happen.

Through these photographs, I wanted to show that what we carry is more than practical; it is expressive. Each set of items becomes a portrait of the person behind them, a quiet but powerful narrative of daily life.