I Chose to paint the Slaughter House Bridge & Road because I have a huge personal connection to this place. It gives me a sense of home. When I was younger my Dad would take my Brother and me down there everyday. We would go swimming and then walk up to the train tracks and place pennies down, then watch the train as it flattened them. Not only did I grow up there creating memories with the most important man that was in my life, but along with creating memories with friends. Slaughter House is where I first hung out with my friends from Northfield after transferring, it is a place that everyone knows about and loves. It is great for family and friends of all ages which is why I believe it is a wonderful representation of Northfield.

My Most critical elements included in my scene are the bridge, the swimming hole and the big tree. The Slaughterhouse bridge was made in 1872 and is part of the history of Northfield. The bridge is also used as a surface to jump off into the water below which most people know Slaughter House for. The swimming hole is an important part as well because everyone knows where it's located and knows it's perfect for kids and adults of all ages. Lastly I included the large tree located in the foreground. That tree had been standing there for as long as I’ve known. When hurricane Irene hit most folks believed the tree would fall over due to the condition. To this day it is still standing although it is slanted sideways because of the natural disaster.

I made a few major modifications from my nature photo to my final banner product including the sky. I emphasized the sky with dark dusk colors to capture the essence of calming this location brings to people especially myself. Although I chose to represent my scene as at dusk, Slaughter House bridge and swimming hole is a great location to make memories any hour of the day. My sky modification inspiration came from Sabra Fields. I observed her work which included color blocking sky and smooth colors which I Knew I wanted to recreate. John Knox, a Vermont photographer, inspired me to have a foreground, middleground and background.

The Reason I gave my banner the title of A Bridge to Memories is because that is what I associate Slaughter House bridge and swimming hole as; A place where people of all ages, families, or even being by yourself can make memories. I look forward to seeing how much this sentimental place changes within the years. I have no doubt Slaughter House Bridge and Swimming hole will continue to hold and make new memories.