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In the midst of a global lockdown, I found myself seeking solace in the familiar. I returned to my childhood home, a place echoing with the laughter and adventures of my youth. As the days unfolded within those walls, I became intrigued by the profound connection between our environment and our cherished memories. Little did I know that this introspective journey would lead to a project that would change my life.

Enter "Character Building," a photographic odyssey that delves into the intricate tapestry of my personal history, using my childhood home as the canvas. Over three years, I embarked on a meticulous quest to capture the nuances of my past, crafting a visual narrative that extends beyond my own experiences to explore the universal themes of childhood and the powerful influence of our surroundings.

More info: josephsradford.com

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Almond Blossom

Almond Blossom

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To infuse the series with a surreal and dreamlike quality, I employed a creative blend of on-camera flash and colored gels. This technique not only lent an otherworldly atmosphere to the images but also mirrored the vibrancy and whimsy of childhood itself. Each photograph became a brushstroke, painting the canvas of memory with hues of nostalgia and emotion.

The 40 pictures that emerged from this exploration tell a story that extends beyond the walls of my childhood home. They are a testament to the profound impact our environment has on the shaping of our identities. The interplay of light and shadow in each frame serves as a metaphor for the intricate dance between memory and the places we call home.

As viewers embark on this visual journey, they will find themselves transported to a realm where reality and imagination intertwine. Each photograph is a portal, inviting them to reflect on their own childhoods and the spaces that molded their earliest perceptions of the world.

"Character Building" is not just a personal project; it's an invitation to rediscover the magic hidden within the ordinary. It's a celebration of the places that witnessed our first steps, heard our laughter, and cradled our dreams. Through the lens of nostalgia, I hope these images resonate with audiences, sparking a collective introspection into the profound dance between environment and memory that defines us all.

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Ant Ridden Oranges

Ant Ridden Oranges

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Bonfire Chair

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Dusty Chandelier

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Low Hanging Fruit

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Forest Fire

Forest Fire

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Sunset Blossom

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Sunday Church

Sunday Church

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Blood Oranges

Blood Oranges

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Pink Skies

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Cold Kitty

Cold Kitty

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Bridge Reflection

Bridge Reflection

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Broken Fence

Broken Fence

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Sunset Cactus

Sunset Cactus

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Warm Kitty

Warm Kitty

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Cochineal Infected Cactus

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Curious Kitty

Curious Kitty

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Grave Digger

Grave Digger

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Empty Pool

Empty Pool

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#20

Hanging Eucalyptus

Hanging Eucalyptus

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#21

Fig Tree Foliage

Fig Tree Foliage

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#22

Roadside Pomegranates

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River Root

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Goatherd

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Hot Lemons

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Danger Mouse

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Gypsy Caravan

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Olive Tree Sunset

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Window Watching

Window Watching

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Night Facade

Night Facade

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Pink Stair Case

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Summer Thistles

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Morning Glory

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Red Cactus

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Chamomile Fields

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Red Gecko

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Rotten Orange

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San Pedro Cactus

San Pedro Cactus

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Garden Pomegranates

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#40

Plastic Chair

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