By Greg John
My name is Gregorio John, but you can just call me Greg. I’m currently a student at Monroe Community College in Rochester, New York, where I’m studying photography. Photography started as a hobby, something I picked up for fun, but over time, it’s grown into something I’m truly passionate about. It’s more than just capturing images. It’s about telling stories, preserving moments, and exploring how people express their identities through visual media. When I’m not behind a camera, I like to keep things pretty low-key. I enjoy going on hikes, watching movies, and hanging out with friends, especially for our regular game nights. Lately, we’ve been hooked on Slay the Spire, a card-based strategy game that’s surprisingly deep and takes a bit of brainpower to master. It’s become a fun weekly tradition, and it’s nice to have that break where we all get to relax and laugh.
Back at school, I’ve been lucky to receive a few photography-related awards and scholarships, which has been encouraging and validating. One of the best experiences so far was working in the on-campus gallery at Monroe Community College. That opportunity gave me hands-on experience in setting up exhibitions, understanding lighting and presentation, and seeing how people interact with art work in a gallery setting. It really pushed me to think beyond just taking photos and consider the entire experience of how visual stories are shared. This summer, I’ll be traveling to Paris as part of the Tyler Fellowship, and I’ll be developing a project I’ve titled From Daguerreotypes to Digital: How Paris Traces the Evolution of Self-Image. My research will explore the contrast between early photographic processes, like daguerreotypes, and the way we capture ourselves today with selfies and smartphone photography. But I’m not only interested in the technical changes. I want to understand how cultural attitudes around identity, image, and
self-expression have evolved over time. What motivates people to take portraits of themselves, whether it’s a formal studio photograph from the 1800s or a quick snap for Instagram? What does that say about how we see ourselves, and how we want to be seen?
Since Paris is widely considered the birthplace of photography, it feels like the perfect place to investigate these questions. The city is rich in photographic history, and the itinerary we have planned includes visits to several museums, historic sites, and neighborhoods that connect directly to my topic. I’m excited to dig deeper into both the historical roots and modern-day culture of image-making while I’m there. This will be my first time visiting Paris, and I’m beyond excited, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous too. I’m preparing for some culture shock, and I know it’ll take a few days to adjust to the language, the lifestyle, and the overall pace of a new environment. Still, I’m looking forward to embracing that challenge. I want to be intentional with my time, stay curious, and take in as much as I can, not just for the sake of my project, but for personal growth too. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and I’m ready to make the most of it. I know this journey will not only strengthen my photography but also help me see the world and myself through a new lens.
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