Embrace the Difference
In 2022, I was commissioned to travel around Estonia and document the lives of people living with mental illness. Initially, the plan was to photograph the subjects in a uniform style, but after meeting them and understanding their unique stories, it became clear that such an approach would be reductive and pejorative. I quickly realized that each photograph needed to be as distinct as the individuals themselves, capturing not just their appearances but their energy and essence.
Instead of striving for technical perfection, I focused on creating images where a genuine connection and presence were felt—where the subjects were included in the process rather than simply being the focus of a portrait. Some of the individuals were nonverbal, and with others, I communicated through a translator, yet these challenges underscored the idea that human connection transcends most barriers. This experience reinforced my belief that we are more alike than we are different, a theme central to the project Embrace the Difference. My aim was to present each subject in the most compassionate way possible, honoring their individuality while conveying our shared humanity.
