Smoke Mirrors and Masks

18-Year-Old Photographer's Spectacular Conceptual Self-Portraits

Brava!



18-year-old Laura Williams joins the ranks of fellow young, extremely talented photographers such as Alex Stoddard and Kyle Thompson in creating spectacularly surreal and expressive self-portraits. The Cambridge, England native's photograph entitled Invisible recently went viral, with over 800,000 views on Flickr alone. The photo depicts Williams sitting on the grass with a piercing look in her eyes, holding a mirror that conceals her body while reflecting the empty area surrounding her.

Many of Williams' photos involve concepts of concealment and hiding, as parts of the body and face are obscured by smoke, mirrors, and masks. "I like the idea of creating an image that’s perhaps a little less obvious, like an illusion," she explains, "one that really intrigues the viewer and tries to trick the eye." Her highly conceptual works embody this idea, inviting the viewer to closely examine every detail in the shot in an effort to learn the story behind each evocative image.

The photographer is inspired by many different things, including dreams, music, nature, light, and other photographers. "Inspiration can come at any time," she says, "and often when I find it, I'm not specifically looking for it, it just sort of comes to me."





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There is a lot to be seen behind the smoke mirrors and masks. Do you see me? Or do you see through me and not the person that I am. Yes we wear masks , will you see me? Will you look behind the mask and know me? Am I just smoke and mirrors to you? Or will you know me for who I am and who I can be.