My sustained investigation was guided by the question: "How can I build confidence in photographing strangers to highlight the stories of underrepresented, hardworking individuals?" This inquiry led me to explore the idea of venturing beyond my comfort zone to discover the narratives of strangers I met in Blairstown. I wanted to create a series of works that portrayed their stories, exercising my ability to be social and meet new people. Through this process, I aimed to gain confidence in approaching and photographing strangers.
I became more comfortable taking multiple photos, getting closer to subjects, and adjusting angles for optimal lighting. I experimented with various subjects, from families to seniors, which pushed me to adapt and connect with each individual, stepping out of my comfort zone. Through editing, I maintained a consistent style, using a darker edge to create a spotlight effect. These processes guided by my inquiry helped me build confidence in photographing strangers and highlighting their stories.