"It is both in the being and seeing in and of a moment that I create my images."

Black & White Fine Art Photography

I believe a successful artist never "captures" a moment but actually "releases" it to others. With my photography, (both black & white and Polaroid) I strive to transcend the documentary nature of the format by the sheer force of the experience. My work is both reflection and expression in that I do not aim or plan a shot, but instead allow myself to be found within it as it occurs. There is neither prior preparation nor postproduction with my black and white stills. What you see is what is happening as it happens. The only special effect or sense of majik is the one I am caught up in as the moment forms. The only illusion is the memory of that flash in time. I play in the field and frame of what is to become a picture. It's as simple as that.

Black & White Self-Portrait Series

Photography is a part of me. It's as familiar and common to my life as is sleeping and eating. A camera is always by my side and I shoot most every single day with the pleasure and ease of a well developed habit. I often call photography my third eye because like an extra sense, it is as reflexive to my perceptions and intuitions as are my very own eyes.

I particularly love to capture the "feel" of what I surround myself with; my family, friends & home. It is within them that I am the most relaxed and aware of the moods of the moments as they come and go. I guess the honesty there is self-evident and in such close relationships there is nothing really trying to hide but instead sincerely attempting to reveal itself. With self-portraits I take this closeness and familiarity even further and turn inwards towards my self.

-Alicia Sparaco