Cheyne Gallarde’s entry for “Childhood” - click on photos to view larger.

“I’m not built for outdoor activity, so I spent most of my time immersed in video games. These 8-bit marvels not only taught me problem solving and improved my hand-eye coordination skills, but taught me everything I know about ‘theming’ and ‘conveyance’ which are present in the photos I shoot to this day. Video games were my childhood.”

Gabriel Anaya’s Entry for “Childhood” - click on the photos to view larger.

“The morning ritual is one that we all become familiar with from a very young age. Wake up, brush your teeth, get dressed, eat and get to school. This sequence repeats throughout childhood and beyond. I believe that the “eating” aspect of the ritual is particularly important. The food we eat in the morning, in this case cereal, is in many ways reflective of the stage of life we are in.  There is a certain level of nostalgia that is conjured when talking about our favorite childhood cereals. Although, in retrospect, I do realize how unhealthy products such as “fruit loops” are, I cannot negate the fact that they are emblematic of my childhood experience. The excitement they used to provoke with their artificial yet enticing aroma and near radioactive coloring still resonates when I encounter them in my school cafeteria. Most of the times I look away and tell myself that I know better than to indulge. However, on occasion, I do surrender and submit to the memories evoked when partaking in this childhood ritual once again.”

Interview with current champion Cheyne Gallarde

  • Photoboxing: did you choose the current topic (childhood) because you already had your ideas planned?
  • Cheyne: Nope! I wanted to choose something that would challenge me as well as my competitor, so I choose something that intrigued me then created my concept around that.
  • PB: what made you choose it?
  • C: I am always interested in nostalgia and my childhood was a huge influence on my signature style. So, I thought I should revisit that time period.
  • PB: Any advice for young photographers?
  • C: Always stick true to your vision but leave room for improvisation if something doesn't go as planned. That's usually where the fun is!
  • PB: what can we expect from you next?
  • C: I don't know but I can guarantee it will be wacky!
  • Name: Gabriel Anaya
  • From: Chicago
  • Strength: Ideas
  • Weakness: Execution
  • Portfolio: Flickr page

Young Gabriel is another student at RISD, but as with anything — age is only a number. Gabriel’s body of work is polished and has been described “as if he was painting, but with a camera.” From beautiful abstracts to jarring still life photos, he has shown great range.

I look forward to seeing what he comes up with for the “Childhood” challenge!

Follow the action at photoboxing.tumblr.com

The winner has chosen the next theme and it is: childhood.

This can be interpreted many ways, so hopefully our Photoboxers choose wisely.

Their photos will be posted on Monday morning for you to vote. Make sure you’re following us to see the behind the scenes, sketches and of course the finished photos by our photoboxers!

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