Up & Coming: Katie Barnes

Exotic Pet Ownership in Missouri

I am currently working on a project that looks at the unique laws that apply to owning an exotic pet in the state of Missouri in the US.  As long as the animal isn't native to the state of Missouri, there are no laws governing the ownership of an exotic animal as a pet, provided the owner doesn't breed, sell or showcase it to the public.  I am specifically photographing three areas of exotic pet ownership – breeders, individual owners, and sanctuaries. I think that in covering each of these stages of exotic pet ownership, I will be thoroughly documenting several sides of this issue.

I am currently based in the United States in New Hampshire.  After working as a staff photographer for the Concord Monitor for two years, I am now pursuing editorial freelance work.  My husband Max Bittle and I also started Dreamlove Wedding Photography, and we spend our summers documenting the story of our clients' wedding day.  I have a passion for walking in the woods and documenting the world around me with my macro lens. 


To see more of Katie's work please click here.

All images © Katie Barnes

Up & Coming: Erica Brejaart

Women Wearing Rubber Gloves

I believe that many women who stay at home, experience a loss of identity at some point while caring for a family and household. This body of work is my response to this idea and explores the identity of women in a shared experience of domesticity. The photographs were taken in their homes. The images are not for the family album nor are they studio shots. Rubber gloves, for me, symbolise domestic work. 

I am grateful to all the women who agreed to take part in my project; welcomed me into their homes and willingly put on those gloves for me. 

Erica was born in Canada and has lived in several different countries. She has been a resident in Britain for 30 years.

In 2011 Erica completed a Foundation Degree in Contemporary Photography at Mid Cheshire College Northwich, United Kingdom. Soon after she had her first group exhibition at CUBE Manchester and was selected by Photo Open to exhibit her work during East London Photo Festival.

To see her work go to: www.ericabrejaart.co.uk

All images © Erica Brejaart