In terms of the second shoot I think that the images look good and I definitively will produce more in this section of the photoshoots as I believe the images/ final result will look good layered on top of one another as the writing has historical context behind it especially down to my Polish roots and generations before my parents and my parents parents as the book I photographed goes back to the 1800s and 1900s presenting Poland before and after the War and the poorness of the country at times as well as the impact of Catholism in the country which my family still resonates with to this day keeping traditions alive and Christian symbols around the family home.

I think it was also important for me to bring this part of historical context into my photos as it provides a visual element of background into the composition but also can enhance the understanding of the photograph is it written in paper and in real life the result which are both my parents and my parent backgrounds as through human connection every little bit can connect and have an impact on people especially living in that country of the provided information of the eastern European land.

Poland’s history before and after the war is remembered by hardship yet there is a strength within the culture, hope that survives through even the darkest times. It is in this resilience that I see the echoes of my family’s journey how, despite the hardships faced by previous generations, they managed to hold on to their faith, their roots, and ultimately, their identity.

As I plan to layer the images over one another, I not only revisit the past but also reflect on how those generations still resonate in my life today. The traditions, the prayers, and even the simple acts of care around the home are all echoes of the perseverance that has been passed down. The rich cultural heritage and strong Catholic foundation that once shaped the lives of my forebears continue to influence my family’s worldview, shaping our values, actions, and identity in subtle yet profound ways.

Their history is my history, as well as their resilience too. Through my personal project I will try to capture not just their faces but the essence of what they endured, they believed in and what they cherished including the sacred connection between family, faith, and heritage that continues to develop and change across time.