Defining Identities: Three Young Adults with Cancer May 4, 2007

John Blalock's beautiful color images are a compelling look at three young adults facing cancer. Blalock uses a large format camera with high saturation film to create images that have a "larger than life" feel. As a nurse and photographer, Blalock has had unique access to his patient's lives and photographs with a corresponding sense of intimacy and empathy. Through a process of discussion and collaboration, he and his patients have created photographs that show them the way they wish to be seen. His goal with this series has been to create a personal, visual narrative of youth lived under the shadow of life threatening illness.

Blalock divides his time between nursing and photography. He has a Bachelors in Nursing from OHSU and has worked as a nurse on Doernbecher Children's Hospital's Hematology and Oncology Unit for the last five years. A self-taught photographer, John has worked as a freelance commercial photographer and has taught photography at the Northwest Academy and PNCA.

Official Website: http://www.cancerlife.com