In search of light
I was fortunate to have a childhood filled with warmth, love, and adventure, accompanying my father on geological explorations across different regions.
My early years were spent living simply among local rural communities all over the world, forming deep bonds through curiosity and serendipity. But that idyllic time ended abruptly when I was sent to boarding school in the UK. What followed was a difficult chapter in my life, a stark contrast to the warmth of my early years, marked by harsh experiences that deeply impacted my sense of humanity.
Disconnected from the world
Those years were painful. As I was being stripped of the trust and security every child would need, I withdrew into fear and insecurity. And at seventeen, I developed Alopecia totalis, an autoimmune condition that left me without hair, a visible sign of the inner turmoil I had been carrying. I felt exposed, vulnerable, and disconnected from the world.
It was around this time that I was gifted a Zenit B camera by my father, and with just a few rolls of 35mm film, I set off for Tibet, inspired by the adventure of Tintin.
I was seeking a place where I might belong, despite my struggles. What began as a short trip turned into a much longer journey, where I stumbled into a world untouched by decades of civil unrest. It was here that photography found me.
A tribute to the people who showed me kindness
Each photo I took became more than just a captured moment – it was a tribute to the people who showed me kindness.
In a world that had once made me feel like an outsider, photography reignited a sense of belonging and connection. It wasn’t about documenting reality; it was about celebrating the beauty of human interaction and shared experiences.
When I returned to the UK at twenty, I realised that photography had chosen me. It became my way of reconnecting with humanity and healing my own wounds. Through my lens, I could restore my faith in the world.
Since then, my journey has taken me to remote places, depicting the beauty of people proud of their heritage.
I’ve learned patience, trust, and respect – sometimes waiting weeks for the right moment, ensuring each photograph reflects the depth of connection I experience.
Initially, I was drawn to Indigenous communities because they reminded me of the beauty and warmth I experienced in my childhood. But over time, the connections I’ve formed revealed that we are all part of the same human story.
My photography tells a story of global unity and kinship
Today, I continue to travel the world, pushing myself to my limits, both physically and emotionally, to depict the beauty and resilience of the human spirit. My photography tells a story of global unity and kinship – a story the world more than ever before needs to embrace.
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