Photo Finish: Sarah Hadley’s Memories

“Sunday Morning,” from Hadley’s “Lost Venice” series. Photo © Sarah Hadley

How do you photograph a memory? Photographer Sarah Hadley, executive director and creator of the Filter Photo Festival in Chicago, may have found just the answer. The photographs in her “Lost Venice” series appear to render her memories into mysterious visual scenarios. Her work is introspective, borne of, it seems, personal pain and contemplation.

“This project is about loss, memory and the mystery of life,” Hadley explains. “I used the sights and symbols of the city of Venice, Italy, as a backdrop as I tried to distill my memories and feelings about my childhood and the loss of my father.”

Hadley continues, “Venice is a haunting, surreal and mysterious place, and one which has a storied past of loss and decay. I wanted my vision to be just that—my personal vision. Photography is a great way to express your emotions and I think the best work comes from deep inside.”