In October, I always get nostalgic for my time at art school. I studied photography at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), located in the heart of Providence, RI. Providence (or anywhere in New England) is the absolute best in the fall. Every time it gets a tad cooler in Charleston I have flashbacks to buying new photo paper at the RISD store, strolling along historic Benefit Street, and starting another school year with my twelve (yes, twelve) fellow photo majors.

Before I graduated in 2015, I rented a Hasselblad camera from the photo department and photographed my favorite spots around campus. Hasselblads use medium format film and take to die for images. They are Swedish-designed and beautifully mechanical. I hope to snag one myself one of these days! It’s a really fun camera to take a walk with, thus my little tour of Providence and the RISD campus! Providence reminds me so much of Charleston with its colonial-era homes and college-town feel. I think it was a natural transition to move here!

Explaining the art school experience is always a little comical, especially when most people went to a state school or liberal arts college. I’m so glad I went the art school route, even though I didn’t think I was “artsy” enough. This past summer was the first time I visited since I graduated, and I can’t wait until I can go back again (hopefully in the fall)! If you’re planning a New England trip soon, put Providence on your list! I’d love to offer some recommendations.

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