I really hope people make an emotional connection with what they are seeing. I hope they look and ask, how can we do things better.
Meagan Stebbins, ’26, has always been drawn to photography, partly because the medium allows her to tell a story without using words.
“I think a lot of people sometimes feel they don’t have a voice; I feel that way at certain times. With photography, it gives me a way to show things in an artistic way, to show how I see life,” she said. “I really like being able to show things from my perspective.”
This summer, Meagan participated in Bridgewater State University’s Adrian Tinsley Program. The program provides students with the opportunity to conduct research or creative work under the guidance of a faculty mentor.
Under the mentorship of Professor Amy Lovera, Meagan performed research in Japan, England and locations throughout New England for her project titled, “Where Nature Thrives: A Visual Journey.”
At each location, Meagan used her camera to capture different ways humans are both hurting and helping the environment.
“I wanted to learn how different countries are protecting their environments or not protecting them. What are people in the world doing to help wildlife, nature,” she wondered.
Meagan did not pre-plan what she wanted to shoot; rather she kept an open mind in her quest to discover evidence of people’s impact.
“You never know what you will stumble upon,” she said.
Her images included trees that had been clear cut or were exposed with chains on them. Alternately, she found newly planted trees surrounded by supports to help them grow.
Other objects included man-made trails with markers that designated what type of trail it was.
“I really was trying to find examples of the ways humans positively are impacting the environment as well as negatively,” Meagan said.
Her work caught the attention of local galleries, including Taunton’s Trescott Street Gallery where her photos are on display from Aug. 27 through Aug. 30. Visitors can view the exhibit from 12-5 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturday. An opening night reception will be held on Friday, August 29 from 6-8p.m.
Each photograph was taken with 35mm film and digital formats paired with information cards detailing local laws and the background of each site. Meagan hopes those who view her work are inspired.
“I really hope people make an emotional connection with what they are seeing. I hope they look and ask, how can we do things better,” Meagan said. “I want people to think.”
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