Ruth Rackley
statement
Having the opportunity to show portraits of South Carolina, I wanted to delve a little deeper into the subjects’ lives than that of the typical portrait and to tell a short story. I began the project thinking I would focus on the disappearing agriculture of South Carolina but I soon realized that it wasn’t just agriculture that was disappearing but the culture of simpler life.
bio
Documentary photographer, Ruth Rackley, grew up with her feet grounded in the red Carolina clay. The daughter of a missionary, Ruth discovered a love of photography through the photographs her mom would share from her work abroad. Picking up the camera only seemed natural, and at an early age Ruth felt at ease traveling and viewing the world through the lens. The images she produces tell the stories of the people she meets. For Ruth, shooting is a quiet and emotional experience that allows her to focus on the nuances of her subjects and the decisive moment. It’s her think-feel-react way of photographing that allows the viewer to quickly and easily understand her images and relate to the moment. Currently Ruth works as freelance photographer and has traveled on assignment to Asia, the Caribbean, and Central America. Ruth has won international recognition for her work by the WPJA (Wedding Photojournalist Association).
