Floating Man

The Floating Man was a challenging yet rewarding experience, and it marked a significant milestone in my journey as an artist as it was the first ever piece of art that I submitted to and art show. It also is the first ever piece that got accepted to an art show. The photo features Mattie Thompson mid-dunk, captured at a precise moment when he seemed to be suspended in the air, defying gravity. To get this shot just right, I had to consider so many factors: the lighting, the angle, the timing, and the composition. I spent hours experimenting with different settings on my camera, trying to find the perfect balance between shutter speed and exposure to freeze Mattie’s motion while still capturing the intensity of the moment. On top of that, I had to be in the right position at the right time, anticipating when he would jump and how high he’d go, all while staying focused on getting the shot in one take. The editing process was no less demanding. I spent a lot of time refining the image to ensure the colors were vivid, the contrast sharp, and the background didn’t distract from the main subject. I wanted the photo to tell a story, to capture more than just a moment of athleticism, but also the sense of weightlessness and energy. When it got accepted into the art show, it felt like all the hard work, the trial and error, and the long hours of tweaking had paid off. It was incredibly fulfilling to see something I had poured so much effort into be recognized by others, and it made me realize how much passion and persistence go into creating something truly meaningful.