We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Fran Ages. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Fran below.

Fran, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I photographed the survivors of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting that occurred on February 14, 2018. During this tragic event, a “code red” lockdown was initiated as gunfire erupted, resulting in 17 fatalities and numerous injuries caused by a former student. This incident has remained a significant topic in national news for years.

Having spent 30 winters in Florida, I’ve witnessed the ongoing controversy surrounding gun regulation. As a Canadian, guns aren’t part of my upbringing, so I refrain from commenting on First Amendment rights in the U.S. As a grandmother of six, the Parkland shooting resonates deeply with me, especially considering my connections to the community in Boca Raton and the students in Parkland.

After a period of isolation during my husband’s stem cell transplant, I returned to full-time studies in Ottawa, Canada. I was accepted into a two-year diploma program at The School of the Photographic Arts, an accredited institution. Since then, I’ve been engaged in project-based work, including The Parkland Project, which is part of a broader series called “Land of Flowers.” This series also encompasses Delray Beach, South Beach, Little Haiti, Little Havana, the Florida Keys, and Hollywood Beach, as well as the project “The Bridge Ladies.” “Land of Flowers” draws inspiration from Richard Avedon’s “American West,” utilizing a blank white backdrop to focus solely on my subjects. I create hand-printed and professionally bound books, and I exhibit large-scale prints measuring 32″ x 46″. This body of work is ongoing.

Fran, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have photographed all my life including using a super 8 movie camera, polaroid transfers, digital painting and now solely do project based portraiture with a medium format digital camera. Photography has been intuitive however, in 2016 I was invited into a full time diploma course at the School of the Photographic Arts. I focus mainly on portraiture and have travelled extensively documenting many cultures. I have been asked many times whether my large scale prints are paintings. I use the tools of photoshop to control color, distraction, lighting, mood, and consistency of each print in a particular body of work. My work is about anthropology and I am interested in each one of my subjects, most times, meeting them on the street and engaging in conversation. Everyone has an interesting story, life is complicated and challenging for every human being. I try to portray and capture something authentic that conveys a hidden moment or insight. I do not get paid for my work however, hope my portraits will serve as a document a history in time

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is for my critical work to be acquired by a museum in the United States or Canada

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I used to request releases signed by each of my subjects, however, no longer do because sometimes people became suspicious and I do not sell my work commercially.

All I reveal is my subject’s first name, year and city of birth

Contact Info:

• Website: https://franages.com

Image Credits

Fran Ages