TITLE: Hope

This photo was born of a longtime struggle with depression and anxiety. Since discovering my passion for photography, I have been able to take the shadows of my own mind and put them into my work. It has helped me deal with a lot of dark times. This specific photo was the entire vision I had for this session. The intention behind it was breaking through the dark waters of depression and finally resurfacing above the water--that first gulp of fresh air after being under the water. I used a slower shutter speed (1/25) than is usually used with portraits as a way to capture the movement of the waves and the water coming off the subject, as well as her upward movement. I love the way the movement was captured, as well as how she is almost one with the water, as if she is being borne of the darkness. It immediately became my favorite photo I've ever created and the most meaningful. I hope it stands a message to those being pulled under the waves of depression to keep fighting to break through and breathe.

AUTHOR: Meri Daugherty (United States)

Meri Daugherty is a fine art photographer specializing in black and white photography and creating emotionally compelling imagery, with a penchant for intimate couples portraiture. She lives in the Atlanta area with her husband and two young kids. When not working on photography, she can be found eating french fries and planning another trip to Ireland.