Candler Park: Atlanta, Georgia

I have been a silent observer of Candler Park and Lake Claire over the past few months. I was hesitating on moving back to Atlanta, but this neighborhood has really made me enjoy my decision with its small town charm in the middle of the city. I set out every day on foot, with my camera in hand, as a traveler through my own neighborhood. My wanderings have never ceased to amaze me. I have proven to myself that travel does not always have to be thousands of miles away, but that it can happen in your own backyard. Everyday I discover change and beautiful people, who always greet me in warm dialogue and surprise at the size of my dog Charley, the huge Great Dane.

I spend every morning at Dr. Bombay’s Café along with many other regulars who enjoy the cozy coffee shop and the friendly barista. I shop at the Candler Market while employees watch my dog and always sneak him bones. I have gotten to know the adventurous children in the park who always greet me with smiles and an energetic desire to pose in front of the camera. I photographed the Queens of the Candler Park pool who make learning to swim seem like learning to fly. I have met my beautiful neighbor who uses her yard as a sculpture piece of found objects that makes a person excited about walking by her house everyday.

I am offered rides from my neighbor who defines the word neighbor and has a true to devotion to Harold Ave. I have begun to realize that this neighborhood embodies a type of living that so many Americans feel is dead, especially inside a city. The people of Candler Park/Lake Claire have kept their neighborhood personal in a city that can feel so impersonal with high-rise living and houses built so far off the street. It’s a place where people can feel safe using the park, golf course, pool, and tennis court. Kids can still ride their bikes and skate with friends before bedtime. It makes taking a stroll the best part of everyday life.

My photographs of Candler Park have tried to capture the beauty and sincerity of the neighborhood. I have taken a documentary approach and conceptual approach to my photographs to emphasize my own being in the neighborhood and my mere observations of others. I hope the series conveys the beauty of this urban neighborhood and the people who define it.