Virtual Summit Submission

SUNY Oneonta
Photography

Biography

Sean Eaves is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography with a minor in Art History at SUNY Oneonta, graduating in Spring 2026. Over the past three years, they have participated in more than 40 art-related activities, including exhibitions, publications, fellowships, and gallery photography work. Their artistic practice explores the intersection of photography with environmental, social, and economic themes, often incorporating elements of visual journalism. Passionate about storytelling through the lens, Sean Eaves aims to pursue a career as a freelance photographer, collaborating with creative organizations and companies to produce meaningful and thought-provoking visual work.

Project

Echos of the Future: A Photo Essay of the Dominican Republic Coastal Community
Over the summer, I traveled to the Dominican Republic to document coastal communities and explore the effects of tourism on the people and environment. Through my camera and conversations with locals, I aimed to understand how tourism shapes daily life both positively and negatively. Many people shared mixed feelings, some appreciated the financial opportunities tourism provides, while others expressed concern about environmental damage and cultural changes that accompany the industry’s growth. These perspectives often shifted depending on the region, revealing how deeply tourism intertwines with the identity and sustainability of each community.