Whitney Saleski (left) and her mother, Lisa Saleski (right), pose for their session. (Photo courtesy of Missy Mikulecky of the San Francisco Giants) 

Whitney Saleski (left) and her mother, Lisa Saleski (right), pose for their session. (Photo courtesy of Missy Mikulecky of the San Francisco Giants) 

Whitney Saleski's story
 

"I started to dabble in photography in high school, and by the time I reached my early twenties, my interest was at its peak. A proud graduate of Miami University of Oxford, Ohio, I fostered my love of the arts very early, and it only deepened with time and experience. 

Every time I took a photo of anything, I would immediately send the snapshot to my father, Stanley Saleski. He critiqued each one with sensitivity, diligence, humor, and grace.

Following his death by suicide in October of 2014, I started the Stanley Sessions to honor him and all that he left behind. My mother, Lisa, is always right by my side on the shoots. She is both my hero and my closest friend. 

The Stanley Sessions is a photo project featuring people affected by suicide—both those who have lost someone or have attempted, themselves. We aim to reduce the stigma surrounding suicide discussion through photography and the written word. 

I am lucky enough to be sponsored by Michelle Maloy-Kidder and NAMI of Montgomery County, Ohio. 

Thank you for your support and for studying the photos and reading the stories. I know that these people have reshaped my experience and have changed my life for the better. Even though their stories are immersed in tragedy, they are equally interlaced with courage, perseverance, and most importantly, hope.

When I look at these photos, I do not feel so alone in my struggle. May the same comfort find you." 

-Whitney

Whitney and her work have been recognized by...

Adolescent Content (management team)

Annenberg Space for Photography 

Born This Way Foundation 

Dayton.com 

Dayton Society of Artists 

ENDPAIN (contributor) 

Girlgaze Project (project ambassador)

High Street Gallery

K12 Gallery and TEJAS 

2017 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards (art juror) 

Women's Leadership Collaborative of Greater Dayton