JULY 2009 FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER SHAR GUZMÁN YOUR NAME: Sharleen Guzmán ANY ALIASES: Shar or Shar G. HOW DID YOU GET INTO PHOTOGRAPHY: When I was a kid, a close friend of my moms had a camera and loved to photograph everything. This interested me and as I grew older I noticed I had the same desire to photograph. However, years went by before I actually cleared the clouds in my mind and realized how passionate I am about photography; pursued it. WHAT'S YOUR MOST FAVORITE PICTURE: "Coming and Going" - This image speaks volumes for the life of my nephew who was taken from my family 2 years ago. WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION FOR YOUR PHOTOS? I am inspired by life. God has blessed with life and breath, the ability to realize my dreams. WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE DARKROOM? The Darkroom is my place of solace. My life has always been hectic and full of challenging events. When I am in the darkroom the vibe is the complete opposite. The purity of creating an image from beginning to end amazes me. Its organic and real. Just what I strive for my life to be! HOW DO YOU SEE YOURSELF GROWING WITHIN THE AREA OF PHOTOGRAPHY? The passion I have for photography makes me feel and know that I am and will go wherever my heart desires. My interests are in Fashion, Entertainment, Documentary, and Street photography. As I continue to explore the world of photography I realize the opportunities to document life are endless and the interests will continue to pour themselves in. ANY SHOUTOUTS? God, thank you very much for blessing me with life and the desire to chase my dreams. My mom who is also my dad, thank you for giving me life and for believing in me. To my sister Sofia, you constantly inspire me with how much you have persevered through all of the challenges life has given you...I see your growth and I love it. To my nieces and nephews...you are the future of our family and I hope that I can personally inspire you to live your life (positively) as you choose. Never let go of your dreams because they are so worth chasing and achieving. Trust! Miranda, you never stop supporting me. Even when I have not been the nicest person to be around, YOU are always there encouraging me to be more and do more. You show me unconditional love and I am very thankful. Now, the world knows how REAL you are, F**K the haters. I love you!!!! I like to say....What up sON! That's for my FRAMily and you know who you all are. Felipe @ Metro Newspaper. Thank you for giving me a shot. I appreciate you and am thankful that we met. De-bug...man what can I say. Thank you for existing. I love walking into De-Bug because I always feel welcomed and inspired. It such a pure place to be. The people of De-Bug, though I do not all know you personally, I know through observation you are all very focused, goal oriented, supportive, REAL and a passionate group. It is such a pleasure to be in that environment and just think...all you have to do is show up. The way society and the world is today, that is hard to come by. So slide through De-Bug, you will not regret it. I saved the best for last...Bobby. Thank you for gracing us with your limited presence on this earth. You will always live in my heart and be a part of my soul. I am sad that you cannot be hear physically to experience the growth in our family and your own. Although, I know you are an angel to many, you are greatly missed. I promise to live my life in your honor and remember never to give up because their are people who cannot or do not have the choice to be active in their lives. R.I.P. 08/02/1987 - 03/04/2007 CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF SHAR? CHECK OUT MORE OF HER WORK AT.... Nightlife Photography - Check me out on www.metroactive.com/club-gallery from June 2009 and on. Photographs can also be found in the METRO Newspaper, every Wednesday on the Club Gallery page. You might see a familiar face or two. So, support your local weekly newspaper, METRO and pick up your copy today. Go to the METRO stand near you. ;*) I would love to network with others with like minds, goals or those that would like to make a new friend... Add me on myspace - www.myspace.com/sharg26 Add me on facebook - www.facebook.com/sharg26 Thank you. God Bless