Main Street

Carnival Found

“On a sunny day in Norman, Oklahoma, I walked past Neighborhood JAM’s parking lot, now transformed into a carnival. The usual cars were replaced with rides, food stands, and thick electrical cords, a power generator humming in the distance. The carousel stood motionless, its colorful, carved animals frozen in time, as if waiting for riders. As I explored further, I met an older woman who asked if I worked there. After a brief chat, she asked for a cigarette, which I didn’t have. We parted ways, and I continued my walk, snapping shots of the carnival’s haunting stillness.”

Sj Barrymore began his journey with film photography on the streets of San Francisco. With a roll of black and white film loaded, he envisioned being the next Cartier-Bresson. He had such lofty sights. Film photography is a significant influence in his compositional framing, and lighting. He later pursued art courses, further refining his skills in a self-taught manner. The digital medium opened up more possibilities for immediate feedback on creativity, experimentation and storytelling. Now primarily working on street portraits. Revealing the unique presence of the individuals.