For my final project of the year, I went to the animal orphanage in Voorhees. I’ve liked animals all my life and also have a special connection to the orphanage. The cat I’ve had for most of my life came from here. I’ve had her since I was in first grade and she’s been like an extra sibling ever since. To me, this was a perfect subject. I wanted to make this about the interaction between humans and the animals. Not just the staff, but also some people looking to adopt. I also, as a secondary goal wanted to give the audience the feeling like they were walking through the halls of the facility, looking at each animal as they do, as if they were looking to leave with a new friend. While there are plenty of pictures of just the animals, This really focuses on the connection made between man and mans best friends.

I visited an Irish themed shop known as A Touch of Ireland in Pitman New Jersey. It is run by Mary Miller, whom I learned a lot from in terms of the nation of Ireland and the holiday of St. Patrick’s Day.

I observed her interact with customers and form bonds with people she had never even met before. It was a rather eye opening and enjoyable experience. I absorbed tons of Irish culture and made a few new friends doing so.