In 1990 I began my studies in sociology and photography at the University of California Santa Cruz. The marriage of my two interests gave birth to a passion for documenting life as I witnessed it. By the time I received my BA in Fine Arts/Photography, my quest for truth had given me a camera through which to scan the world for honest moments and to reveal life to itself.
In high school I had become inspired by photojournalist W. Eugene Smith, who worked for Life magazine and was known for his images documenting and exposing the effects of mercury poisoning on the Japanese people in Minamata. I saw Smith as an activist participating in the dialogue of world events through visual essays. Spellbound by his poetic visual stories, I began to seek the elements of truth through my own camera: the candid, peoples’ unselfconscious moments, and the often unnoticed, important juxtapositions of objects and people in the world. Everyone and everything around me had a story within.
wedding photojournalism
In 1992 I photographed my first wedding. Naturally, as a photojournalist I sought the unplanned moments. The couple was enthralled with pictures of all the whimsical moments of celebration as well as the excited yet vulnerable anticipation of their witnessed union. The couple reported the ease and comfort they felt with having the family portraits taken, because even these were somehow candid, capturing the essence of their joy. Inspired and enthused, I continued to make wedding photography a passionate part of my living. Today, witnessing love and commitment continually strengthens and reinforces my own relationships with people and the world. Union is inspiring, and I join in the celebration by documenting and sharing with each couple the joy and creativity I observe at each celebration.
visual essays
Photojournalism continues to be my service to the world in the form of art. In 1999 I spent 6 months at an organic farm documenting a family that was committed to sustainable living methods. These included growing compatible organic plants, canning, horse power, composting toilets and building a straw bale greenhouse that could grow food during the intolerable Minnesota winters with the heat of an adjoining chicken coop and passive solar heating. Growing up in non-rural San Francisco, I had never gained the experiential understanding that there was a relationship between our food, the environment and our psychic and physical health. Living on the farm blessed me with this invaluable awareness. A passion to protect the earth and inspire others through education was awakened.
I’m no dope, and I know a beautiful and talented woman when I see one. One either’s got it or not. Manifesting through the camera and darkroom, or at the garden, or over the airwaves, Ms. Balunsat’s verve and grace comes shining. How blessed the wedding party in her gifted sights, and the rest of us…
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