THESIS: 2023

May 2nd - July 29th, 2023

Portfolios by graduating seniors in the B.S. Degree program in Photography at the University of Central Florida.

Now in its twelfth year, the UCF Thesis Exhibition showcases portfolios by graduating seniors of the Bachelor of Science in Photography program at the University of Central Florida - Daytona Beach. The UCF – DSC partnership provides students the opportunity to work with a diverse professional faculty in an environment that encourages excellence and innovative approaches to photography that will position graduates to compete in a rapidly changing industry.

Featuring the work of:

Kayla Kender  • Tanya Petracca

MEET THE ARTISTS

KAYLA KENDER

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Food photography is all about the complexities of color relationships. The interrelationship of color is one of the most important design considerations within the genre, and the challenge of balancing color in composition and design is one of the principles that draws me to this demanding field of photography.

Judging by the excess of it on social media, food photography is often considered simple. Truthfully, excellent food photography is not as easy as snapping a picture and posting it online.  It is, however, a collaborative activity between many skilled individuals; a food stylist, art director, photographer, and post-processor work together to create the final image. For this portfolio I have taken on those roles. I mentally sketched the objects and visually displayed each one from a table-level perspective, studying and contemplating the values inherent within each.

What color schemes would bring out the textures, hue, and character?

What compositions are best suited to render the flavor and glow?

How do I style the product to give natural color and an appetizing look?

What type of lighting is best suited to render the vison that I now see?

Would a shallow depth of field enhance the intensity of the objects?

Great food photography is a sophisticated and exact science that takes patience, skill, and a love of the challenge.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT | DISCOVER THESIS WITH KAYLA KENDER

TANYA PETRACCA

BADASS

The term ‘Blue Collar’ was first used to describe trade jobs starting in the 1920s. Blue-Collar represents those who often wore blue denim or chambray shirts as a uniform. This worker performs manual labor that usually involves building or maintaining something and distinguishes it from administrative occupations. Work is for an hourly rate rather than a salary. Blue-collar jobs can be dirty and dangerous. The U.S. Department of Labor indicates that just 20% of blue-collar jobs in the U.S. are occupied by women.   

Blue-collar work is in my bloodline. My “Granny” worked in the fruit packing house. My mother was a mail carrier and is now a Postmaster. My Dad was a locomotive mechanic at the railroad for 25 years. My “Popie” was a dredge captain for Norfolk Dredging for 20+ years. My maternal grandfather was a heavy equipment operator. My other Dad retired from Florida Power & Light after 30 years. My husband is currently in concrete construction, our oldest son is in the U.S. Navy and the middle son is a welder. My brother-in-law and nephew are Border Patrol Agents.

In this work, I have chosen to highlight women in male-dominated blue-collar jobs. It was essential to bring importance to the jobs they have and not a “movement.”  These women perform alongside men with no difference in duties, and they expect no special treatment. When one thinks of a tow truck driver, what comes to mind? Not usually Amanda, Molly, or Selena. Or an electrician? Is it Sheryl or Melissa? Not Likely. These portraits represent women who find a purpose in their work, just like their male counterparts. 

It does not define who they are, but what they can do.

All images archival pigment prints produced in 2023.

BADASS || DISCOVER THESIS WITH TANYA PETRACCA

Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.