The Piper Online
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A Companion to New Milford High School's Piper Literary Magazine
ARTISTIC INSPIRATIONS
SYDNEY BURNS
IN CONVERSATION:
LIAM LACEY
One could not say enough about rising junior and resident ray of sunshine Liam Lacey. But plenty is said anyway. At 16 years old, Lacey has established a budding photography business, one that captures the familiar faces in his family and creative circles in a light that feels soothing- both visually and viscerally. Upon close observation of Lacey’s works (often shot in the most serene of natural locations), one gets the sense that his subjects are opening up- in an element. In conversation with Lacey himself, I got just the same feeling. Here we discuss his passion for photography, art, and the beauty of instagram (not just his!).
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S: Hi Liam! Glad we could finally talk, even if over facetime. Ever since I met you, it was apparent we needed to discuss these subjects- who else can I talk fluent Wes Anderson with?
L: [laughs] Me too! I’m very excited.
S: Same here. Okay so to kick off with a question I’ve been wondering for some time now: What first inspired you to pursue photography? I find the way people pick up hobbies to be fascinating- like the birth of a passion.
L: It really just started off with me taking pictures on my iPhone. My older cousin was in college and was very into photography- she didn’t do it as a major or anything, but she got me into it. I asked her what camera would be able to focus on the subject and blur out the background- which is funny because now I realize any camera can do that. But I saved up enough money to buy myself a good camera.
S: I love taking pictures with my iPhone- with instagram, everyone’s a photographer now and that has made the landscape a lot more broad. How did you feel when you first bought your camera?
L: I felt really frustrated actually, because it was very hard to start off and figure out how to use it. I honestly feel like if I didn’t have the passion that I did for photography before hand, I would have given up because I didn’t know how to use the equipment.
S: It’s interesting you say that, because I’m always telling myself that I want a really good professional camera to get more serious with the quality of photos I take. But then I remember how technical it is and how many factors go into taking a good photo.
L: Exactly. And there were really no classes or many local resources where I could learn about photography.
S: That’s another difficult aspect to it. Our town is so quaint and from what I’ve collected, pretty supportive of local art. But we can always offer more resources. So how did you learn to use it- by the camera manual?
L: I think I only looked at my manual like twice. I learned everything by watching youtube. The internet is such a wealth of information. And I’m still learning. There’s so much more to learn.
S: Youtube for the win. Now, okay, to another topic- shoutout to your instagram. The way you capture your life on instagram is fascinating to me. You’re consistent enough to be distinguishable, but it never gets boring. Do you adhere to any aesthetic or perspective in photography, or just social media in general?
L: Yes, I do. For example, I’m using the same presets and editing software for all my pictures. People always say to me: “Liam, your instagram is so extra”, but what they don’t realize is that my instagram is what clients see when they’re deciding if they want me to take pictures for them.
S: Right. You have a brand or a vision that your clients will be able to see, and they’re going to want to see the best of you. They want to know the energy of you and your photography. I think your instagram conveys that really well. It’s good to be business-minded.
L: What people don’t know is that when I post, like when I went whale watching in Massachusetts, what I post is only one or two of the two hundred pictures that I take. I take others that I love. So instagram isn’t all of them, but the ones that conform to the color scheme or aesthetic of my instagram.
S: Instagram is such a powerful tool right now. Adults are, in a lot of ways, I think, starting to digest what role social media plays in our lives. Like, I don’t take it seriously myself sometimes, all memes considered. But then I realize I’m ingesting via the internet all of this culture, even if it is popular culture. Every generation has their tools, and this is ours.
L: People underestimate the power of instagram. It gives me an outlet to see how much my photos have progressed.
S: I know. Sometimes I cringe, though. But I keep the oldies for good measure.
L: [laughs] Definite cringing. But me too.
S: Okay, to clarify- you’re 16, right?
L: Yes!
S: It’s crazy. At this age you’ve managed to turn your photography into a business. Can you tell me about the cross over from being like “this is a cool thing to do” to “wait, I can actually make money off of this”?
L: Well, first of all, I had been trying to find a way to make money because, I mean, what kid doesn’t like spending money? I found photography in the dance world. So I realized there that a lot of girls could use my services. My first formal photoshoot was in winter time with my friend Colleen O’Connor, who’s a dancer herself.
S: What inspired you to continue after that initial shoot?
L: Well after my photoshoot with Bella Pizzo, I remember being at her house and showing my photos to her mom. She was just so happy to see the pictures I took, and it felt amazing to know that they’d have those pictures forever. It hit me like “wow, I’m capturing a moment in people’s lives!”.
S: That must have been a confidence-booster.
L: That’s another thing. Knowing that I photographed someone and that they’re seeing themselves in a new way- that’s a confidence booster for them, and for me, too. It’s really good to get positive feedback from clients.
S: That’s such a motivator.
L: Especially when you’re young. People underestimate me. And it’s hard with pricing and working with clients because I might not want to price my work as high as some other older, more experienced photographers if I don’t think the quality is the same.
S: That makes a lot of sense. I think of age often. In pursuing something at this age, even on an amateur level, or just working in general, there’s this factor of confidence and attitude. Where does your confidence come from? Do you see it as an aspect of your personality or your support system?
L: Yeah I’d say it comes from my personality, and my friends and family, too. My family was very supportive of me, being this young and starting out. I can’t even drive, so my mom has to drive me to my photoshoots.
S: Right. I think it’s important for everyone to remember that young artists all have different support systems and circumstances. What’s particular about art is that you can use all that for fuel or for subject matter.
L: Definitely.
S: So photography as an art form- how has it changed the way you perceive your surroundings? I for one find passions and hobbies to shape my life perspectives, like just from day-to-day. You notice different things. There’s this quote from this movie Amélie that I love: “I like to look for things that no one else catches.” Film and photography give me that weird eye.
L: Being into photography, I definitely make an effort to go to more art shows and do more watercolor painting and sketching, just be more in touch with art. And I’m appreciating other artists so much more. Wes Anderson, for example-
S: Oh my gosh, yes. I mean- Bill Murray! He is the goat.
L: True! Like, with Wes Anderson- his use of colors and clothes- I don’t see him doing anything aesthetically similar to me. But I think you can take inspiration and cue, while not following what another artist is doing.
S: I like to draw inspiration more than what is obvious or direct. And being into one art form kinda tends to inspire me to get into others. I mean art has many different categories, but I think the feeling you get from seeing or creating it transcends its form.
L: It does. Art in the world around us is something I’m capturing through my art. Like walking into a building, you’re standing in art- art is everywhere. Everything is art and design.
S: Yes, yes, yes.
L: I think of photography as a solid art form. After a photoshoot, I’ve sat for 5 hours editing photos to get them exactly how I want them. It’s a hands on project. Even after the photoshoot, you’re still creating.
S: I hope social media has turned photography into a distinct and respected art. Off of what you said, I mean, I’m always on my phone after a day that I took a lot of pictures, playing with filters, lighting and whatnot. And these aren’t even professional pictures like yours. I think it’s fun. It’s all expressive. As far as the artistic direction of your photoshoots, how do you go about choosing that?
L: Season has a lot to do with it- I’ve postponed photoshoots for a couple of months so that we could shoot in a location particular to a season. The mood and colors of the photos are seasonal- like winter and fall have a more moody vibe, spring and summer are more bright and airy.
S: I remember seeing your shoot with Colleen in the woods in the fall, I think it was. And I remember thinking “I love this mood”. It felt woodsy and warm. Love to spring and summer, but fall and winter are my seasons.
L: I feel that.
S: And your subjects- does their individuality change the way you take their photo? I know you’ve photographed close friends.
L: For sure. But also, besides my brother, I’ve only photographed girls. Like, I would want to photograph some guys, but I guess that many wouldn’t think it was cool. I don’t think gender should matter, anyone should have their picture taken.
S: I so feel you on that. But it’s art! It isn’t masculine, it isn’t feminine- it’s human.
L: Yes! Please write that down.
S: We bring this stuff out of each other!
L: I know. It’s the best. The people I photograph, too- most have not been models. Most are just my friends. So they’re not completely comfortable in front of the camera.
S: How do you navigate that?
L: Well, I always say to them at the beginning that it will be awkward, but in the end they’re going to open up. And we’re gonna have fun.
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Rapid Fire Q's: Photography
Film or Digital?
Digital
Landscape or Portrait?
Portrait
Spontaneous or Planned?
Planned
City or Town location?
Town
INSPIRATION
Piece of advice to aspiring photographers....
Take inspiration from others but work with a style you enjoy- even if it takes a while to find.
The person or people he would most like to photograph.....
Those who inspired me throughout my life.
Music that gets him in the mood to capture and create.....
Currently I'm obsessed with Billie Eilish and Maggie Rogers.
Photographers he most admires....
Joe Greer and Andrew Kearns
Who to follow (now!)....
A LIBERAL ARTS FUTURE
By: Maria Trocchio
When Smith College was first brought up to me by a close friend of mine, I was skeptical. I had heard of the school before and knew it was a highly competitive all girls college. My skepticism sprang mostly from the intimidation. Would I fit in? Would I be able to excel in their kind of environment? Was I smart enough? These fears quickly faded as soon as I first entered the town of Northampton, Massachusetts. All of my expectations were completely exceeded. I had fallen in love. Living in a town like New Milford, it was difficult to believe there was a school where I would be able to fully express myself and my beliefs without ridicule. The energy at Smith College completely validated my way of thinking. Walking through a campus with banners that read “BLACK LIVES MATTER” and rainbowed signs with “PRIDE” written across them made me feel like I was not alone in the way I felt. When I sat in on a class named “Public Policy and Race in the US”, I was exposed to a whole new way of learning. Students’ conversations and opinions openly flooded the room, with the professors, each a committed teacher or scholar, enriching the class with seasoned thoughts and perspectives. No powerpoints or long boring lectures, but instead, engaging and intellectual conversations about serious issues that consume our society. I had never felt so empowered in a classroom setting, and I can’t help but attribute some of that empowerment to the female-only environment. The mindset of students at such a unique school was that everyone shared a similar goal: to contribute their diverse voices and talents to change the world.
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As of now, the future is uncertain. Currently, I am leaning in the direction of Smith’s popular and accredited government program, but would be open to exploring various kinds of courses, an opportunity provided by Smith’s open curriculum. Although the decision of whether or not I will be attending this school is unknown, visiting Smith gave me hope for my future plans. Smith College helped me realize that the cliches are true- there truly is a place for everyone, you just have to find your fit. I encourage everyone to do their research, to look into colleges that expand and challenge them. Because regardless of who we are, or whether or not we expect it, we are all bound to find the school for us. Who knows, I might end up at Smith or I might not, but immersing myself in the Smith experience, gave me a sense of exactly what I was looking for.
THE MEANING OF:​
MELANCHOLY
Photo credit: NMHS Junior: Liam Lacey
"When you go to make a bowl of cereal, and there's no milk left."
- Auna Anderson
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"When you grieve the loss of someone who is still alive."
-Victoria Schmidt
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"The feeling of sinking, of heart without home."
-Anonymous
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"Window shopping."
-Haleigh Grinder
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PIPER SNEAK PEEKS
Featured Artist
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Fiona Alexander
SMOKE
HEART
POWER
Featured Poetry
"Untitled" By: Sean Murphy
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Across the ocean a battle had been fought
Both sides, they say, thought
That everything they had been taught
Stands in direct opposition to the evil their rivals have wrought
And they engage their enemy with bravery
Faith in their values unwavering
United against injustice, prejudice, and slavery,
Surely they are justified in these acts?
Where in our own home there rages a war
With words taking flight where once missiles soared
It is her right to independence that her mother ignores
It is her right to wrongs that her mother deplores
What is the purpose of this battle?
We don’t know anymore
Surely we’ll arrive at the same conclusion as before
There is nothing of value in a fight for the cure
Where the soldier steadies his rifle and takes aim
And an enemy’s station bursts into flame
A nation cheers when it’s opponents are maimed
Yet a mother fears that her daughter lacks shame
In reality are these battles not all the same?
Where grown men growl with pride
As an entire nation follows beside
There comes a shout from the inside
A truth, bare and naked, with nowhere to hide
The realization of a soul left unsatisfied
By a vengeance that served as its guide
There will be no satisfaction
When there comes a reation
As cruel in nature as the initial infraction
We leap when the arms of struggle extend
To preserve, protect, and defend
Unaware that we have been deceived in the end,
Because now, I fear, no man is able
To tell his enemy from his friend
Yes, it is so, that we spend more time fighting good than evil, because if we truly wanted to fight
For what is virtuous, we would not be fighting at all
NMHS ART OFFERINGS
By: Sylvia Plath
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Love, the world
Suddenly turns, turns color. The streetlight
Splits through the rat's tail
Pods of the laburnum at nine in the morning.
It is the Arctic,
This little black
Circle, with its tawn silk grasses - babies hair.
There is a green in the air,
Soft, delectable.
It cushions me lovingly.
I am flushed and warm.
I think I may be enormous,
I am so stupidly happy,
My Wellingtons
Squelching and squelching through the beautiful red.
This is my property.
Two times a day
I pace it, sniffing
The barbarous holly with its viridian
Scallops, pure iron,
And the wall of the odd corpses.
I love them.
I love them like history.
The apples are golden,
Imagine it ----
My seventy trees
Holding their gold-ruddy balls
In a thick gray death-soup,
Their million
Gold leaves metal and breathless.
O love, O celibate.
Nobody but me
Walks the waist high wet.
The irreplaceable
Golds bleed and deepen, the mouths of Thermopylae.
My Fall Photo Diary
By Sydney Burns
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COVER COMPETITION
We are seeking cover art for the 2018 print edition of the Piper. Enter your ORIGINAL artwork by 12/22 for a chance to be featured on our cover!
SUBMISSIONS/CONTACT
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For any media inquiries, or to submit original writing, art or photography to the Piper Literary Magazine, please contact Sydney Burns, Online Editor:
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