Betsy Roblero

Artist Statement

“To be loved is to be seen” is a statement that’s always felt oddly personal and close to home, as I’ve often felt invisible. Throughout my seventeen years, capturing moments through my lens has become a way for me to take control of how I perceive myself. Through my photographs, I express parts of myself that I struggle to share in words, crafting a narrative that authentically reflects my emotions and experiences.

But as I’ve grown, I've also come to terms with the reality that others will always form their own narratives about who I am. The images you see today are selections that I might not have chosen myself, as they don’t fully encapsulate my personal identity as an artist. Nevertheless, my instructors have identified them as representations of my strengths. Their support has encouraged me to embrace aspects of my work that I might have otherwise overlooked, reinforcing my growth as an artist.

Socializing has always been a challenge for me, leading to a constant cycle of self-doubt. In many ways, photography has become my closest friend, allowing me to communicate without the pressure of spoken or written words. Through images, I can share my thoughts and feelings in a way that feels authentic to myself and liberating.

Before joining this program, I wouldn’t have dared to call myself a photographer. That title felt too grand, something reserved for those who master intricate techniques and concepts like composition, shadow, and light. I believed I was someone who simply clicked a few pictures without a deeper understanding of the art. And while I still believe I’m not fully deserving of the title “photographer,” I’ve come to recognize that photography transcends technical expertise and complicated vocabulary. It’s about transforming my surroundings into something beautiful and providing a glimpse into my perspective of the world.

— Betsy Roblero, Wilbur Cross High School ’25 

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