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neonwings — The Tribute
Published: 2003-08-17 07:24:21 +0000 UTC; Views: 967; Favourites: 20; Downloads: 81
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Well this is it... i'm a little nervous as to how this is going to be received. I hope everyone likes it. This is our (my two-girl team of photographer and model) tribute to Matthew Shepherd. The symbolism that came through in the final shot was so strong, there was no way it couldn't be... I'll leave you to piece it all together, because that's what makes photography fun. But there's lots of it.I guess I could explain as to how this came up... Krissy and I have a deep love and respect for all things gay, with an especially strong affection (occasionally to our detriment) for gay men. Being this as it is, and noting her pension for excessive jewlery and rainbows, she has a home-made rainbow wristband she wears constantly. I also have an affinity for collecting dead flowers. Well, during the last leg of the 'blood' shoot - IE, we were running out of ideas - I looked at her 'blood' covered hands, my dead flowers, and the smear we had on our background... and this shot came to me. With the help of some strange positioning (the background is actually sitting in her lap and I'm looking over her shoulder) and my brother's kite string, we pulled this off.
Ameture or not, I believe the idiom "it's the thought that counts" holds up here. Please don't hate me. I tried. ^^;
Model: Krissy
Equiptment: fake blood, kite string, dead carnation, artist's pad, digital camera, Photoshop (for touch-ups and text)
Lyrics: Goo Goo Dolls - "Name"
[Edit: ~leighcheri pointed out that I had some... poor wording in here. I fixed it. Thank you Leigh.
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Comments: 33
it's perfect! Is it ok for you if I use this for a book cover in wattpad for a friend? I'll credit the photo to you and post the link.
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It's very moving, I like the concept. Thinking of Matt Shepherd make me so sad, becauase he was killed for no good reason.
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I feel the same way.
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this is amazing made me almost cry.. we jsut finished studing this play is drama... it;s so sad how strong some people can hate...love the art
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I was thinking about this deviation just now. I had searched 'Matthew Shepherd' and 'The Laramie Project' a few months ago. we had read the play in class, and it was quite possibly the most touching and emotional thing I have ever experienced. Anyway, I had found this then and was incredibly moved by it, but when I looked through my favourites I didn't see it. So, I'm favouriting it now. This is really, really beautiful. <3
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Oh my goodness, thank you so much! What a kind thing to say. I have not had the pleasure of reading the play yet, although I've always wanted to and have heard many amazing reviews, so I'm touched that you found my photo in connection with that.
I moved you? That was more than I could have asked for. Thank you so much.
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me being gay my self i think more people need to see this and understand what it is saying it is lonly and becuz of it i did almost die (suicide) but idient my friend helped me up from my fall
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i love it. 
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Omg thank you! I inspired you?! :awe: My job here is complete. Thanks so much for your kind words.
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No problem. I loved it!!
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My school did the play about him... The Leramie Project. It was really good.
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Why should we hate you, this is an a example of what hate causes. It saddens me greatly to know that hate crimes occur on a daily bases. What did Matthew do to deserve this. He asked out a straight and instead of saying "I'm flattered but also straight". The guy rouned up his friends and they took Matthew to a open field tied him to a fence and beat him to death. This saddens me greatly. Heck, for fear of something of this nature one of my friends can't "come out". There is too much hatred in this world.
Great job on the picture, it's really amazing.
I need a hug now.
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*hugs*
I couldn't agree with you more... that was really what inspired my picture - the rope was not only a physical reference, but when combined with the dead flowers made up kind of a metaphor for the beauty we lost and continue to lose every day that hatred harms an innocent person.
I hope your friend can find the strength within him or herself to overlook and rise above all of the hateful people in this world, and be at peace, with confidence, in their individuality and the beauty that comes with it. I send them many bright blessings, and you as well for being a supportive friend.
Thank you for a very lovely, and very informed comment. Made my night, ya did.
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That is very kind of you. The reason my friend cannot admit to being bi is because her parents are Republican Redneck homophobes. They openly speak out agaist gay rights and my friend would be disowned or worse if opened up to them. Same with her girlfriends parents. That's why only myself and a few other friends know. -sigh-.
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Ah, republicans.... the reason our great country is what it is. *eye roll*
I'm bi too - sometimes I almost think that bisexuality gets more prejudice than homosexuality, since many people see us as being either too flighty and ambiguous to get into a committed relationship, or faking our sexuality all together (a comment I once personally received from my gay cousin!). We should all be grateful to our parents for the gift of our life and for raising us, but that doesn't mean their judgments and views are always right for us. My thoughts are with her and her girlfriend both.
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Yah, I'm also bi but only the friend mentioned and two other friends (both girls that love yaoi more than oxygen)know. I'm sure that some of my other friends either wouldn't care or would be happy for me but the rest are most likely better off being ignorant to that knowledge.
Yah, alot of straight people do pretend to be bi just to impress the opposite sex. That reflects poorly upon us.
-sigh-
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THANK YOU SO MUCH. I am always so touched when this old deviation gets recognition, it has to be my favorite submission.... thank you for taking the time to look through my gallery and leave a nice message. It means a great deal. 
Bright blessings!
-neon
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No problem. You deserve it.
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Being a homosexual myself, this is very beautiful
Lovely shot! Keep it up!
(PS: By the way, thank you for your cheering comment on my oekaki pic @ oekakicentral.com! my alias over there is leu ^_~ Your comment really cheered me up! thanks!)
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Ah, you're very welcome! I just wanted you to know you had a little support behind that picture... I thought it would be an awful shame to take it down, when it was such a nice picture.
I couldn't agree with you more. Lol actually that's partly why my gallery is chock-full of boy love.
I shall keep it up.... and you do the same!
-Neon
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Tres cool ... perhaps you might enjoy this:
[link]
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Worried 'bout how this would be recieved? It's amazing. My God. While I don't quite share your enthusiasism when it comes to men who prefer men--(it's depressing, dammit)--your taste in symbolism is perfect. You two make an astounding team--enough to be a fave 'n stalked.
Meow.
~The Notorious Miss Amanda
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the concept is great. but it does kind of bother me for someone to call themselves pro homosexuality but then refer to themselves as 'fag hags'. seems a little contradicting and childish. just a thought. but as i said the shot is great.
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I gotta say, I appreciate your honesty. I know what you mean, sorry about that... I didn't really think of it. I don't like the term myself, but at the time, it was kind of the first thing that sprung to mind. Perhaps I'll go rethink my choice of words.
Thanks for the comment - I'm glad you like this.
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Heh, cool 
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