I have always taken pictures. At home, outside, and in a previous life as a journalist when I took photos for my articles. However, it gained momentum after a series of serious setbacks in my personal life. I could have jumped in front of a train, but went out on the street instead and frantically started shooting in a desire for some peace and quiet. I have not yet returned from that trip. Most of my work categorises as street photography, since I almost exclusively photograph in public spaces and often have people appearing in my images. Yet, my work is not really about people or human activities, nor is it about social issues. I see my photos as tiny fragments of what’s around us. Scenes or objects that are basically irrelevant, but that are able to convey some sort of emotion when taken out of context or isolated by the eye of the photographer. What kind of emotion is something I leave up to the viewer. I like to keep things ambiguous. That's when art is at its best. I shoot most of my work in Antwerp and Brussels. Apart from my own work I help fellow photographers during workshops and through a popular Dutch-language blog on street photography. MARC PENNARTZ I have always taken pictures. At home, outside, and in a previous life as a journalist when I took photos for my articles. However, it gained momentum after a series of serious setbacks in my personal life. I could have jumped in front of a train, but went out on the street instead and frantically started shooting in a desire for some peace and quiet. I have not yet returned from that trip. Most of my work categorises as street photography, since I almost exclusively photograph in public spaces and often have people appearing in my images. Yet, my work is not really about people or human activities, nor is it about social issues. I see my photos as tiny fragments of what’s around us. Scenes or objects that are basically irrelevant, but that are able to convey some sort of emotion when taken out of context or isolated by the eye of the photographer. What kind of emotion is something I leave up to the viewer. I like to keep things ambiguous. That's when art is at its best. I shoot most of my work in Antwerp and Brussels. Apart from my own work I help fellow photographers during workshops and through a popular Dutch-language blog on street photography. LOCATION Antwerp BELGIUM CAMERA/S Don't know model names - brands don't shoot, eyes do! WEBSITE http://www.marcpennartz.com/ @MARCPENNARTZ_PHOTOGRAPHY FEATURES // Visual Ambiguities

PICTORIAL STORY FINDING HOPE AT THE UKRAINIAN BORDER When the war erupted on Ukraine, Sonia Goydenko stepped into the heart of the crisis. Volunteering her skills on the ground, she now shares a powerful, firsthand account of resilience, humanity, and what it means to bear witness in a time of conflict. June 17, 2022 PICTORIAL STORY photography SONIA GOYDENKO story KAREN GHOSTLAW POMARICO SHARE Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Throughout history photographers have been inspired to capture those moments that create a visual story that speaks a thousand words. Sonia Goydenko is a photographer that has mastered the art of visual storytelling, making meaningful connections between her subjects and the viewers. In just a fraction of a second, she finds the truth in the moment, bringing a genuine experience to the viewer. For Sonia the crisis in Ukraine is more than a tragic event. It strikes Sonia through the heart; she has a very personal connection to Ukraine. Sonia and part of her family left Ukraine as refugees in 1991 and immigrated to the United States. Her father, grandmother, and aunt still live in Ukraine. Sonia has experienced the perils of having to leave everything behind, depending on humanity and what felt like miracles, to emigrate from Ukraine. When the war broke out in Ukraine in February 2022, it brought back her memories of her own family's flight from Ukraine in 1991. Sonia was compelled to help in some way, remembering well the help she and her family received when they left Ukraine as refugees. Sitting at home, depressed, and watching the news and seeing her family suffering, Sonia decided to take some sort of action. Inspired by her close friend, Megan Kwasniak, a Polish doctor and photographer living in Florida who had the idea of heading to the border and working in a medical tent, Sonia decided to join her. Sonia packed her bags and offered her services in a small town called Medyka, the largest refugee camp on the Ukraine-Poland border. Being fluent in the Russian language and understanding Ukrainian, Sonia volunteered her services as a translator for the refugees fleeing Ukraine into Poland. Sonia shares with us what she experienced there. Sonia was very touched by all of the joy and genuine compassion that she witnessed during her time at the Ukrainian border. How hundreds of people from all over the world left their jobs, homes, families, to come together and help the Ukrainian refugees in any way they could. It was very important for Sonia to show the joyful side of the crisis, to share hope when it seems impossible to find any. Sonia describes her personal journey and the valuable connections she witnessed and helped to create. “Upon seeing people in moments of pain and grief, my immediate reaction was to comfort that person, not take their photograph. I am not a war photographer, and I did not come there to do that. I have met some incredible photographers documenting the harsh realities of this war, but for myself, I felt much more drawn to photographing the joyful moments I witnessed. Many volunteers came to play and entertain the children, and I wanted to photograph those moments: moments of pure joy in dark times. While volunteering on the border isn’t as dangerous as crossing into war zones and delivering medical aid, it’s still an important job. The people fleeing the war and coming through the camp will not just remember the horrors of their experience but will also have with them these touching moments of feeling seen and cared for, not forgotten by the world.” Memories came flooding back to Sonia, of her family's journey, and how life has come full circle. Sonia went back to help her fellow Ukrainians, giving the same hope to them that her family had received. Sonia is a living example that life can get better. Her open arms and loving smile were hope and inspiration to walk forward into their unknown futures. Sonia thinks often about all the help her family needed to emigrate from the Ukraine in 1991 and found it a gift to be able to help her sisters and brothers in their time of need. “If this action hadn’t been taken, I could’ve been the one fleeing gunfire and bombings, crossing the border into Poland, boarding the bus to Przemyśl, and heading into the unknown with no home - instead of being the American volunteer on the other side welcoming the refugees. I began to think of how blessed I am, how lucky I am to have a home to return to. Although I still feel heartbroken after returning from the border, going back through some of the photos I took during my time there, I am reminded of the joy that each individual can bring, the compassion and warmth that I saw so many people give openly and freely. I really believe that it’s only through us, individual beings, that any change can be brought about.” After looking through the images Sonia has shared with us, you can see the personal connections she makes, and the hope she brings to the refugees she translates for. The reassurance they feel when they know their words can be understood, and they can understand in their language the options they have moving forward. We thank Sonia for sharing her personal journey with us, and we are humbled by her efforts and the genuine connections and contributions she has made in aiding in relief for the refugees fleeing Ukraine at Medyka, Poland border. The bus to Przemyśl during the golden hour. © Sonia Goydenko © Sonia Goydenko A shadow selfie in blue and yellow. © Sonia Goydenko © Sonia Goydenko © Sonia Goydenko © Sonia Goydenko These images specifically from the bus stop where refugees go after they have gotten food, drinks, clothes, SIM cards, toiletries, and toys for the kids. People wait very worried that the bus will leave without them. I assure them that they have time and that a bus comes every 20 minutes and that even if they miss this one, there will be another in a few minutes. Most of the refugees have been traveling extensively for days. Children often vomit from the constant motion sickness and nausea. Many have been on buses and trains for days. The Polish army and volunteers help the refugees board the buses - assisting them with luggage and explaining to them where the buses are heading. There are refugees waiting for buses at all times of the day in all kinds of weather-to board the next step of their gruesome and tiring journey. © Sonia Goydenko Twin Ukrainian boys with their dog, waiting for the rest of their family to cross the border. All were happily reunited. © Sonia Goydenko © Sonia Goydenko A child joyfully plays with the Easter Bunny, having just crossed the border from Ukraine into Poland. © Sonia Goydenko © Sonia Goydenko The largest refugee tent in the camp - for women and children to rest, eat, and sleep in. © Sonia Goydenko © Sonia Goydenko These were taken when I crossed the border into Ukraine to help out a friend working in a truck giving out drinks and food for people waiting to go into Poland. © Sonia Goydenko © Sonia Goydenko © Sonia Goydenko © Sonia Goydenko A dog, a volunteer, and a young refugee in the Medical tent where I worked at the border. Most of my time was spent translating for doctors and refugees who came to visit this tent. © Sonia Goydenko At the mother/children tent: a baby teething and biting my finger! © Sonia Goydenko © Sonia Goydenko © Sonia Goydenko When Sonia is not off lending a helping hand you can find her in the streets of New York City where she finds much of her inspiration as a renowned street photographer. Sonia has received awards from numerous festivals, including Italian Street Photo Festival, Miami Street Photo Festival and Aussie Street Photography Festival. She is a member of the New York City Street Photography Collective ( @nycspc ) and her work was recently exhibited in NYC by Women Street Photographers. Sonia has been published in Huffington Post, Eyeshot Magazine, and various other mediums. In addition to photographing the streets daily, Sonia manages to find time to teach street photography workshops and give portfolio reviews. If you ever have the opportunity to take her workshop or have your portfolio reviewed, you will find it a very rewarding experience. What else does Sonia do, well she runs the Instagram page @showmeyourduds , an educational platform created for photography students, where talented photographers willingly share the images that they consider failures. During COVID-19 lockdown, Sonia told us how she turned her lens on her family and herself, creating an intimate series of self-portraits. Then in February of 2022 Sonia traveled to the Ukraine-Poland border to translate for and photograph refugees, and her experiences with them. She works directly with doctors who drive medical aid into Ukraine and has been raising money to buy them medical supplies. Sonia currently lives in New Jersey and photographs in New York City, Florida, and anywhere else she goes. Make a connection and be inspired through her photography. view Sonia's portfolio Website >>> Instagram >>> The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author/s, and are not necessarily shared by The Pictorial List and the team. read more stories >>> ORDINARY GRIEF What endures when everything else is uncertain? Through photography, Parisa Azadi asks us to see Iran not as story, but as feeling. THE EVERYMAN Eva Mallis uncovers the quiet strength of overlooked lives, capturing everyday encounters in Mumbai’s industrial districts as intimate portraits of labor and resilience. IN BETWEEN LIFE AND AFTER In Cairo’s City of the Dead, families carve out ordinary lives among centuries of tombs — Paola Ferrarotti traces the fragile line between memory and survival. UNFIGURED Nasos Karabelas transforms the human body into a site of emotional flux — where perception fractures and inner states become visible form. VISIONS OF ICELAND FROM ABOVE Massimo Lupidi takes flight above Iceland — capturing nature’s abstract brushstrokes where land, water, and sky blur into poetic visions beyond the ordinary eye. UNDER THE CLOUDS Giordano Simoncini presents a visual ethnography of the interconnectedness of indigenous cosmology, material life, and the ecological balance within the Quechua communities of the Peruvian Andes. NYC SUBWAY RIDERS BEFORE THE INVASION OF SMARTPHONES Hiroyuki Ito’s subway photographs reveal a vanished intimacy — strangers lost in thought in a world before digital distractions took hold. THE GHOST SELF Buku Sarkar stages her refusal to vanish. Her photographs are unflinching, lyrical acts of documentation, mapping a body in flux and a mind grappling with the epistemic dissonance of chronic illness. WHISPERS On Mother’s Day, Regina Melo's story asks us to pause. To remember. To feel. It honors the profound, often quiet sacrifices that mothers make, and the invisible threads that bind us to them. BEYOND THE MASK By stepping beyond the scripted world of professional wrestling and into the raw terrain of mental health, Matteo Bergami and Fabio Giarratano challenge long-held myths about masculinity, endurance, and heroism. FRAGMENTS OF TIME Each of jfk's diptychs functions as a microcosm of the city, allowing viewers to experience urban life as constant fragmented glimpses, mirroring the unpredictable nature of human interactions. VANISHING VENICE Lorenzo Vitali’s portrayal of Venice is an almost surreal experience — where time dissolves, and the viewer is left with the sensation of stepping into a dreamscape. CLAY AND ASHES Abdulla Shinose CK explores the challenges faced by Kumhar Gram's potters, balancing tradition and adaptation in the face of modern pressures. ISLAND Enzo Crispino’s photographic series, “Nêsos,” invites viewers into an introspective journey that mirrors the artist’s rediscovery of his voice in photography after a prolonged period of creative estrangement. BEYOND THE BRICKS Amid Bangladesh’s dynamic urban growth, Anwar Ehtesham’s photography takes us beyond statistics and headlines, revealing the hidden lives of the laborers working tirelessly in the nation’s brick kilns. OAXACA In Oaxaca, Tommaso Stefanori captures Día de los Muertos, exploring the convergence of life and death, human connections, and enduring cultural rituals through evocative photographs of tradition and emotion. BEHIND THE PLANTS Wayan Barre documents Cancer Alley residents facing pollution and economic challenges, shedding light on their resilience and the impacts of environmental injustice. THE RED POPPY AND THE SUN By blending archival and contemporary images, Mei Seva creates a visual story that captures the ongoing struggles and moments of triumph for those impacted by displacement and circumstance. FIRE AND FORGE Alexandros Zilos delves deep into the harsh reality of sulfur mining, while also capturing the allure of the blue fire phenomenon created by sulfur deposits in the crater. IN-VISIBLE PAIN Through black and white self-portraiture, Isabelle Coordes brings to light the stark reality of living with chronic pain — a reality often dismissed by a world that requires physical evidence to believe in one’s suffering. CELEBRATION OF LIFE Ahsanul Haque Fahim's photography captures Holi in Bangladesh, celebrating life with vibrant colors and reflecting human emotions, diversity, and interconnectedness in Dhaka's streets. KOALA COUNTRY Sean Paris invites viewers on a transformative journey, challenging our perceptions and fostering a new appreciation for rural Australia through mesmerizing infrared photography. MOMMIE Arlene Gottfried’s poignant exploration of motherhood in “Mommie” is not just a collection of photographs but a profound tribute to the enduring bonds of family and the universal experiences of love, loss, and resilience. BIFRÖST Amidst the breathtaking scenery of Norway, Romain Coudrier discovered the allure of rare light and subtle shades, immortalizing each moment in striking black and white with every click of his camera shutter. MUD Dedipya Basak's documentary project explores the struggle of an 800 year old lake against the impacts of global warming, revealing its continued relevance and urgent story in today’s changing climate.

I am a Delhi based street and documentary photographer. I started doing street photography about 1.5 years ago and my main focus is how to make an ordinary picture look extraordinary. I think I learn from people everyday. I learn also from my mentors. I get so much inspiration from so many people. To me one of the basic characteristics of street photography is candidness. I feel that as a street photographer it is my duty to show the candid street. ASHISH PATEL I am a Delhi based street and documentary photographer. I started doing street photography about 1.5 years ago and my main focus is how to make an ordinary picture look extraordinary. I think I learn from people everyday. I learn also from my mentors. I get so much inspiration from so many people. To me one of the basic characteristics of street photography is candidness. I feel that as a street photographer it is my duty to show the candid street. LOCATION Delhi INDIA CAMERA/S Nikon D5600 @KNOWASHISH FEATURES // Unplanned Moments

I am a Brooklyn-based independently contracted photographer and writer with interests in the intersection of human society and the environment. My photographs and written work have appeared most recently in Photojournalism Hub, GoNOMAD Travel Magazine, Wanderlust Travel Magazine and Corbeaux Magazine. A curated selection of my photos appear in the Smithsonian Magazine public archive. I hold a Masters in urban planning and education. I am a former United Nations employee currently serving the New York City Department of Education as a tenured educator for the blind and visually impaired, and I am a Library of Congress certified Braille transcriber. NAIMA HALL I am a Brooklyn-based independently contracted photographer and writer with interests in the intersection of human society and the environment. My photographs and written work have appeared most recently in Photojournalism Hub, GoNOMAD Travel Magazine, Wanderlust Travel Magazine and Corbeaux Magazine. A curated selection of my photos appear in the Smithsonian Magazine public archive. I hold a Masters in urban planning and education. I am a former United Nations employee currently serving the New York City Department of Education as a tenured educator for the blind and visually impaired, and I am a Library of Congress certified Braille transcriber. LOCATION New York UNITED STATES CAMERA/S Nikon Z7II WEBSITE https://www.naimahallphotography.com/ @NAIMAHALLSTREETPHOTOGRAPHY FEATURES // The Artisanal Salt Farmers of Gozo

EVERYDAY EXPLORATIONS Vajradhar Acharya is an explorer of the mundane and admirer of common people living their daily lives. EVERYDAY EXPLORATIONS May 13, 2020 INTERVIEW PHOTOGRAPHY Vajradhar Acharya INTERVIEW Melanie Meggs SHARE Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Vajradhar Acharya is an Indian photographer with a unique eye for the ordinary. From the hustle and bustle of street markets to the tranquility of rural villages, he has sought to capture the beauty of the everyday lives of people across India. Since relocating to the United Kingdom for university studies, Vajradhar has continued to explore his love of photography, creating stunning images that evoke a sense of nostalgia and wonder. Join us as we explore the world of Vajradhar Acharya, as he describes himself - “a lover of good light and a clicker of pictures”. “I was always a creative person and almost went on to study art professionally. I still love woodworking and painting and they are something that I try to regularly do besides photography, but photography has been my main hobby ever since my dad bought me my first camera for my 15th birthday, six years ago.” IN CONVERSATION WITH VAJRADHAR ACHARYA THE PICTORIAL LIST: Vajradhar, describe your style of photographing to us? VAJRADHAR ACHARYA: I haven't quite managed to get a signature style I can call my own and it is very much in flux at the moment and it does change slightly every day and I look forward to see where it takes me. TPL: Where is your favourite place(s) to photograph? VA: I don't have a favourite place because I haven't travelled a lot, but my home town called Miraj in India and South Bank in London have to be on top of my small list! TPL: Do you have any favourite artists or photographers you would like to share with us, and the reason for their significance? VA: My favourite artists have to be Edward Hopper, Van Gogh and Saul Leiter and they have influenced my photography the most along with all the numerous artists I follow on Instagram who have impacted my work in one way or another. I think equipment is important in the sense that it shouldn't hinder your creativity but I find that most modern cameras are pretty good in that regard, so it doesn't matter much. TPL: Have you ever been involved in the arts before photography? VA: I have very much been into art since childhood and painting landscapes with oil pastels has been one of my favourite hobbies for a long time now. TPL: Are there any special projects you are currently working on that you would like to let everyone know about? VA: The current projects I'm working on are called 'Smoking Kills' which is about normal people looking cool when they smoke but at the same time, alluding to the dangers of the habit and 'People on Phones' which is obviously about people busy with their phones and tries to show our relationship with the ubiquitous gadget. TPL: “If I wasn't photographing what would I be doing?... VA: If I hadn't received my first camera 6 years ago, I would very much still be actively involved with woodworking and painting but I'm too busy these days to do either of those and photography is currently my most favoured just because it is much more accessible than either of those.” Vajradhar Acharya has an unique vision that has enabled him to capture the beauty of everyday life in India and now London. His photographs are full of nostalgia and wonder, and his story provides inspiration for budding photographers everywhere. To experience Vajradhar's work in full, connect with him on Instagram and follow his journey as he continues to showcase the world with an eye for the ordinary. VIEW VAJRADHAR'S PORTFOLIO Vaj's instagram >>> read more interviews >>> WHAT REMAINS, WHAT EMERGES Laetitia Heisler transforms risk, memory, and the body into layered analogue visions — feminist rituals of seeing that reveal what endures, and what quietly emerges beyond visibility. WHAT WE ARE, WHAT WE DO Culture lives where art and community meet, and in this space Alejandro Dávila’s photographs reveal the unseen labor and devotion that sustain creation. ANALOGICAL LIMBO Nicola Cappellari reminds us that the photograph’s power lies not in what it shows, but in what it leaves unsaid. THREADS OF MOROCCAN LIFE Through gestures of work and moments of community, Kat Puchowska reveals Morocco’s overlooked beauty. IT STARTED AS LIGHT…ENDED IN SHIVERS… Between intimacy and estrangement, Anton Bou’s photographs wander — restless fragments of light and shadow, mapping the fragile terrain where self unravels into sensation. WITH EYES THAT LISTEN AND A HEART THAT SEES For decades, Rivka Shifman Katvan has documented the unseen backstage world of Broadway, capturing authenticity where performance and humanity intersect. DIPTYCH DIALOGUES Through the beautiful language of diptychs, Taiwanese photographer Jay Hsu invites us into a world where quiet images speak of memory, resilience, and hope. UNKNOWN ABYSSINIA In Ethiopia, Sebastian Piatek found a new way of seeing — where architecture endures, but women in motion carry the narrative forward. THE PULSE OF THE STREET Moments vanish, yet Suvam Saha holds them still — the pulse of India’s streets captured in fragments of life that will never repeat. WHAT DO WE WANT? More than documentation, David Gray reveals the human pulse of resistance and asks us to see beyond the surface of unrest. CRACKED RIBS 2016 Cynthia Karalla opens up about the art of survival, the power of perspective, and why she believes each of us holds a monopoly on our own narrative. STREETS OF KOLKATA Ayanava Sil’s reveals Kolkata’s soul, capturing moments with empathy, presence and humility while offering deep insight into both city and self. PERIPHERAL PLACES A project by Catia Montagna that distills fleeting encounters and spatial poetics into triptychs - visual short stories that capture the in-between, where meaning often hides. POINTE-AU-CHIEN IS NOT DEAD Through Wayan Barre’s documentary, we are invited not only to see but to feel the lived realities of a community standing at the crossroads of environmental collapse and cultural survival. QUEER HAPPENED HERE Author Marc Zinaman sheds light on the valuable contributions that LGBTQ+ individuals have made to the cultural and social fabric of New York City. TRACES OF TIME Marked by an ongoing visual dialogue with time, memory, and impermanence, Zamin Jafarov’s long-term projects highlight the quiet power of observation and the emotional depth of simplicity. THERE MY LITTLE EYES Guillermo Franco’s book is an exploration of seeing beyond the obvious. His work invites us to embrace patience, curiosity, and the unexpected in a world that often rushes past the details. VISUAL HEALING BEYOND THE DIAGNOSIS Betty Goh’s photography exemplifies the transformative power of visual storytelling, where personal adversity becomes a canvas for resilience, illuminating the connection between art, healing, and self-reclamation. EVERYDAY BLACKNESS Parvathi Kumar’s book is a profound tribute to the resilience, and contributions of incredible Black women from all walks of life, making it a vital addition to the conversation around International Women’s Month. A VOYAGE TO DISCOVERY Fanja Hubers’ journey in photography is one of continuous exploration, balancing documentation with artistic self-reflection. MARCH FORWARD Through photography, Suzanne Phoenix creates a space for representation, recognition, and resistance — ensuring that the voices of women and gender-diverse people are seen, heard, and celebrated. FLUX: Exploring Form, Luminescence, and Motion Amy Newton-McConnel embraces unpredictability, finding structure within chaos and allowing light to guide the composition. AN ODE TO SPONTANEITY AND SERENDIPITY Meera Nerurkar captures not just what is seen but also what is felt, turning the everyday into something worth a second glance. THAT’S HOW IT IS Luisa Montagna explores the fluid nature of reality - how it shifts depending on the observer, emphasizing that subjective perception takes precedence over objective truth. FUTURE HACKNEY Don Travis and Wayne Crichlow are the photographers and community advocates behind Future Hackney, merging photographic activism and social engagement to amplify inner-city marginalized communities' voices.

Photography taught me to ask myself which is the reality, where it is and whether it exists. I conflated early the illusion that I take pictures of reality. So, I started studying the frame and my aim was to understand the content. I concluded in endless ascertainments, I tore them inside and some other times outside. In time I realized that everything I allowed to enter in my field of vision was the “signified” of my existence. The composition of a picture is everything that does not appear or exists in the photographer’s soul when she takes a shot. A picture cannot exist if it has nothing to say and the photographer exists because she can communicate pictures. In this point there exists a tiny deception from the picture’s view: “it promises reality” just like it happens in illusive love when “it promises the ideal”. The photographer does not use words, he/she uses the frame for communication. She does not possess reality, not even her own reality but, for sure, she is not contained in what she imprints with the camera. Every shooting resembles a search. The difference is that the photographer dives into the unconscious. YPATIA KORNAROU Photography taught me to ask myself which is the reality, where it is and whether it exists. I conflated early the illusion that I take pictures of reality. So, I started studying the frame and my aim was to understand the content. I concluded in endless ascertainments, I tore them inside and some other times outside. In time I realized that everything I allowed to enter in my field of vision was the “signified” of my existence. The composition of a picture is everything that does not appear or exists in the photographer’s soul when she takes a shot. A picture cannot exist if it has nothing to say and the photographer exists because she can communicate pictures. In this point there exists a tiny deception from the picture’s view: “it promises reality” just like it happens in illusive love when “it promises the ideal”. The photographer does not use words, he/she uses the frame for communication. She does not possess reality, not even her own reality but, for sure, she is not contained in what she imprints with the camera. Every shooting resembles a search. The difference is that the photographer dives into the unconscious. LOCATION Athens GREECE CAMERA/S Nikon D600 WEBSITE https://ypatiakornarou.gr @YPATIA_KORNAROU @PHOTOYPATIA FEATURES // Photography And Reality

PICTORIAL STORY TRANSCENDENTS Mariette Pathy Allen’s visual narrative celebrates authenticity, spotlighting Spirit Mediums’ enigmatic presence in both possession and daily life. March 15, 2024 PICTORIAL STORY photography MARIETTE PATHY ALLEN story MARIETTE PATHY ALLEN introduction KAREN GHOSTLAW POMARICO SHARE Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Mariette Pathy Allen stands as a leading figure in contemporary photography, recognized for her profound exploration of human diversity and the fluidity of identity with depth and sensitivity. With a career spanning over five decades, Mariette has established herself as a visionary documentarian, shedding light and advocating for marginalized communities within society. Mariette’s journey as a photographer began in the 1970s, a time marked by social upheaval and a burgeoning awareness of gender and sexual identities. It was during this period that she embarked on a mission to explore the intricate spectrum of gender expression, particularly within the transgender community — an endeavor that would become her life's work. Mariette is a photographer of transgender, genderfluid, and gender variant communities, as well as other continuous series such as Birth and Families , The Face of New Jersey , People with Art , Flowers and Fantasy, Texas, and Scapes . In 1978, on the last day of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Mariette met a trans woman named Vicky West (although, using the language of that time, she identified as a crossdresser). Vicky befriended Mariette and invited her to Fantasia Fair , a transgender conference where Mariette would serve as the official photographer. She traveled across the United States to many other transgender conferences, participated in political activism, and worked for the Transgender Tapestry Magazine . She continues to pursue the work of photographing, interviewing, and advocating on behalf of gender-nonconforming people. Mariette captures moments of raw authenticity, inviting viewers into the intimate lives of her subjects with empathy and respect. Her photographs serve as powerful testimonials to the resilience and beauty found in the face of societal norms and expectations. Whether documenting the joy of self-discovery, the struggles of discrimination, or the triumph of self-acceptance, Mariette’s images resonate with a universal message of humanity and belonging. Mariette shares herself with us, her voice. “I first encountered transgender people at Mardi Gras in New Orleans in 1978. I met Vicky West and was mesmerized. I felt that I wasn't looking into the eyes of a man or a woman but at the essence of a human being. This encounter led to experiences that I could never have imagined. As a photographer, writer, speaker, activist, and ally, I could participate in the evolution of a vital movement to bring understanding and justice to nonconforming people. Early on, anything beyond heteronormativity was considered freakish or immoral. What I saw was different and my intention became clear — to present gender-nonconforming individuals in the daylight of everyday life, alone or in relationships with friends, family, and children. I continue to photograph this ever-changing world. My hope is that during this time of ignorance and violence, my work will move people to reconsider the prejudices that negate what is natural in a world that includes gender-expansive people.” We asked Mariette to share one of her insightful projects with us. “Most people in Burma and Thailand are Buddhists, but there are areas in both countries where Spirit Mediums continue to perform the ancient, animist traditions and rituals that pre-date Buddhism. Although there are differences in the traditions practiced by Spirit Mediums in Myanmar and Thailand, I have combined the images here, as my focus is on the visual mystery of Spirit Mediums when they are possessed, and when going about their daily lives. I am looking at them as human beings who have been part of their cultures for as long as Animism has existed. In the past, most Spirit Mediums were women, but over time, more men have felt called as Spirit Mediums. Those who live as men, dress as women in colorful, flowing garments, wear make-up, headdresses, and ornate jewelry before, during, and after possession. They must adorn themselves as women for the Spirits. Others live as women full-time. They would be identified as transgender in the West. When Mediums are possessed by a particular Spirit, they fall into a trance, and dance for many hours, drinking, smoking, accepting money from the crowd of onlookers who may join in the dance. During festivals when not dancing, Mediums sit in their beautifully decorated tents with altars covered with offerings that may include fruit, flowers, cans of beer, soda, cash, small toys, and statues. People come into the tent to get advice from the Spirit that the Medium channels.” © Mariette Pathy Allen © Mariette Pathy Allen © Mariette Pathy Allen © Mariette Pathy Allen © Mariette Pathy Allen © Mariette Pathy Allen © Mariette Pathy Allen © Mariette Pathy Allen © Mariette Pathy Allen © Mariette Pathy Allen © Mariette Pathy Allen Mariette Pathy Allen continues to inspire generations of artists and activists alike. Her dedication to capturing the essence of human experience, in all its complexity and diversity, reflects the profound power of art and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Through her visual storytelling, she reminds us that true beauty lies in the courage to embrace our authentic selves, unapologetically and without reservation. In addition to her artistic contributions, Mariette has been a vocal advocate for transgender rights and visibility, using her platform to challenge stereotypes and foster understanding. Mariette is the author of four books that have brought visibility to transgender communities across the world including Transformations: Crossdressers and Those Who Love Them (1989), The Gender Frontier (2004), TransCuba (2014), and Transcendents: Spirit Mediums in Burma and Thailand (2017). She has made dozens of slide presentations to a variety of groups, participated in radio and television programs, and been a consultant and still photographer for films. Mariette’s work is included in numerous collections, both public and private, and has been exhibited internationally. Her work is being archived by Duke University's Rare Book and Manuscripts Library and the Sallie Bingham Center for Women's Studies. Mariette is based in New York City and is represented by CLAMP . Mariette also shares with us a portfolio of images, spanning the globe that represents the artist's dedication to showcasing the lives of gender-nonconforming individuals that transcend the boundaries of mere representation. By conscientiously capturing these individuals in their everyday environments, the artist's goal is to illuminate the human essence that exists within each person, regardless of gender identity. She seeks to challenge existing prejudices and inspire a reevaluation of societal norms, fostering a more inclusive and empathetic world for all gender-expansive individuals. The Pictorial List is incredibly thankful to Mariette Pathy Allen for sharing her inspirational photography, it shines a spotlight on her groundbreaking and exceptional work, showcasing the lives of gender-nonconforming individuals. Through her photography, Mariette captures the raw authenticity and resilience of these communities, inviting viewers into the intimate lives of her subjects with empathy and respect. Her dedication to documenting and advocating for marginalized communities, including the transgender community and gender-nonconforming individuals, has been truly impactful. Moreover, Mariette's work challenges existing prejudices and inspires a reevaluation of societal norms, fostering a more inclusive and empathetic world for all individuals. We are honored to be able to share her insightful project, Transcendents: Spirit Mediums in Burma and Thailand and her remarkable contributions to art and advocacy with our audience. view Mariette's portfolio Website >>> Instagram >>> The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author/s, and are not necessarily shared by The Pictorial List and the team. read more stories >>> ORDINARY GRIEF What endures when everything else is uncertain? Through photography, Parisa Azadi asks us to see Iran not as story, but as feeling. THE EVERYMAN Eva Mallis uncovers the quiet strength of overlooked lives, capturing everyday encounters in Mumbai’s industrial districts as intimate portraits of labor and resilience. IN BETWEEN LIFE AND AFTER In Cairo’s City of the Dead, families carve out ordinary lives among centuries of tombs — Paola Ferrarotti traces the fragile line between memory and survival. UNFIGURED Nasos Karabelas transforms the human body into a site of emotional flux — where perception fractures and inner states become visible form. VISIONS OF ICELAND FROM ABOVE Massimo Lupidi takes flight above Iceland — capturing nature’s abstract brushstrokes where land, water, and sky blur into poetic visions beyond the ordinary eye. UNDER THE CLOUDS Giordano Simoncini presents a visual ethnography of the interconnectedness of indigenous cosmology, material life, and the ecological balance within the Quechua communities of the Peruvian Andes. NYC SUBWAY RIDERS BEFORE THE INVASION OF SMARTPHONES Hiroyuki Ito’s subway photographs reveal a vanished intimacy — strangers lost in thought in a world before digital distractions took hold. THE GHOST SELF Buku Sarkar stages her refusal to vanish. Her photographs are unflinching, lyrical acts of documentation, mapping a body in flux and a mind grappling with the epistemic dissonance of chronic illness. WHISPERS On Mother’s Day, Regina Melo's story asks us to pause. To remember. To feel. It honors the profound, often quiet sacrifices that mothers make, and the invisible threads that bind us to them. BEYOND THE MASK By stepping beyond the scripted world of professional wrestling and into the raw terrain of mental health, Matteo Bergami and Fabio Giarratano challenge long-held myths about masculinity, endurance, and heroism. FRAGMENTS OF TIME Each of jfk's diptychs functions as a microcosm of the city, allowing viewers to experience urban life as constant fragmented glimpses, mirroring the unpredictable nature of human interactions. VANISHING VENICE Lorenzo Vitali’s portrayal of Venice is an almost surreal experience — where time dissolves, and the viewer is left with the sensation of stepping into a dreamscape. CLAY AND ASHES Abdulla Shinose CK explores the challenges faced by Kumhar Gram's potters, balancing tradition and adaptation in the face of modern pressures. ISLAND Enzo Crispino’s photographic series, “Nêsos,” invites viewers into an introspective journey that mirrors the artist’s rediscovery of his voice in photography after a prolonged period of creative estrangement. BEYOND THE BRICKS Amid Bangladesh’s dynamic urban growth, Anwar Ehtesham’s photography takes us beyond statistics and headlines, revealing the hidden lives of the laborers working tirelessly in the nation’s brick kilns. OAXACA In Oaxaca, Tommaso Stefanori captures Día de los Muertos, exploring the convergence of life and death, human connections, and enduring cultural rituals through evocative photographs of tradition and emotion. BEHIND THE PLANTS Wayan Barre documents Cancer Alley residents facing pollution and economic challenges, shedding light on their resilience and the impacts of environmental injustice. THE RED POPPY AND THE SUN By blending archival and contemporary images, Mei Seva creates a visual story that captures the ongoing struggles and moments of triumph for those impacted by displacement and circumstance. FIRE AND FORGE Alexandros Zilos delves deep into the harsh reality of sulfur mining, while also capturing the allure of the blue fire phenomenon created by sulfur deposits in the crater. IN-VISIBLE PAIN Through black and white self-portraiture, Isabelle Coordes brings to light the stark reality of living with chronic pain — a reality often dismissed by a world that requires physical evidence to believe in one’s suffering. CELEBRATION OF LIFE Ahsanul Haque Fahim's photography captures Holi in Bangladesh, celebrating life with vibrant colors and reflecting human emotions, diversity, and interconnectedness in Dhaka's streets. KOALA COUNTRY Sean Paris invites viewers on a transformative journey, challenging our perceptions and fostering a new appreciation for rural Australia through mesmerizing infrared photography. MOMMIE Arlene Gottfried’s poignant exploration of motherhood in “Mommie” is not just a collection of photographs but a profound tribute to the enduring bonds of family and the universal experiences of love, loss, and resilience. BIFRÖST Amidst the breathtaking scenery of Norway, Romain Coudrier discovered the allure of rare light and subtle shades, immortalizing each moment in striking black and white with every click of his camera shutter. MUD Dedipya Basak's documentary project explores the struggle of an 800 year old lake against the impacts of global warming, revealing its continued relevance and urgent story in today’s changing climate.

I find inspiration in art, science, music and the photography work of others. I want to have that personal and emotional connection in my scene and subject, to translate that emotion into my photographs. To me, human presence in photos adds interest. I walk around the streets of my hometown and document life as I see it. Beyond this, the content is very important to me, and I seek photography to draw attention to particular causes or issues. STEFAN HELLWEGER I find inspiration in art, science, music and the photography work of others. I want to have that personal and emotional connection in my scene and subject, to translate that emotion into my photographs. To me, human presence in photos adds interest. I walk around the streets of my hometown and document life as I see it. Beyond this, the content is very important to me, and I seek photography to draw attention to particular causes or issues. LOCATION Munich GERMANY CAMERA/S Fujifilm @MUNICH_FOTASTIC FEATURES // Socially Distanced The Bigger Picture

I am a documentary photographer. Born in 1993 in the village of Pokrovo-Prigorodnoye, Tambov Oblast, I have been living in Moscow since 2015. My personal projects are focused on social inequality and inclusivity topic. ANASTASIYA PENTYUKHINA I am a documentary photographer. Born in 1993 in the village of Pokrovo-Prigorodnoye, Tambov Oblast, I have been living in Moscow since 2015. My personal projects are focused on social inequality and inclusivity topic. LOCATION Moscow RUSSIA CAMERA/S Canon 6Dii WEBSITE https://anapent.com/ @ARONSANTAGAR FEATURES // Blindfold Chess

I am an Argentinian photographer currently based in Madrid. Born in Buenos Aires, I studied Social Communication at the University of Buenos Aires, and then went on a student exchange scholarship to the Carlos III University of Madrid, Spain. I specialised in Photography, Film and Political and Social Video at the Complutense University of Madrid, Spain and currently studying through distance learning for a diploma in Social Photography (The Camera as a Tool for Social Research) at the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. VICTORIA GONZALEZ GARCIA I am an Argentinian photographer currently based in Madrid. Born in Buenos Aires, I studied Social Communication at the University of Buenos Aires, and then went on a student exchange scholarship to the Carlos III University of Madrid, Spain. I specialised in Photography, Film and Political and Social Video at the Complutense University of Madrid, Spain and currently studying through distance learning for a diploma in Social Photography (The Camera as a Tool for Social Research) at the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. LOCATION Madrid SPAIN CAMERA/S Nikon D5200 @VICO_GARCIA_FOTOGRAFA FEATURES // Pandemic Poetry Social Studies

PICTORIAL STORY WHISPERS On Mother’s Day, Regina Melo's story asks us to pause. To remember. To feel. It honors the profound, often quiet sacrifices that mothers make, and the invisible threads that bind us to them. May 11, 2025 PICTORIAL STORY photography REGINA MELO story REGINA MELO introduction KAREN GHOSTLAW POMARICO SHARE Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Born and raised in Brazil and living in Connecticut with her husband since 1995, Regina Melo is an autodidact photographer who works primarily with natural light. Her journey with the camera began with food and crafts, captured in a personal blog she maintained from 2011 to 2014. But over time, photography became something more — a way to hold on, to make sense of memory, emotion, and the quiet beauty of everyday life. In a world filled with noise and contradiction, the act of taking a photograph became her way of listening closely — to herself, to the world, to the stories that often go untold. Caring for a loved one, especially in their later years, can be all-consuming and emotionally overwhelming. For Regina, the challenge was intensified by distance — living far from her mother meant she could only offer care during short visits, witnessing from afar the quiet changes that signaled the passing of time. Her mother had slowly begun to retreat from the daily rhythms that once brought her joy. And yet, in those visits, there were still moments of closeness, of deep connection that spoke louder than words. By what felt like grace — or perhaps the invisible thread that so often binds mothers and daughters—Regina happened to be there, holding her mother’s hands, at the exact moment she took her last breath. Her mother passed away from a heart attack, gently and unexpectedly, at the age of 98. That final moment, filled with silence and presence, left Regina with profound sadness, but also with a sense of spiritual closeness — a quiet knowing that, somehow, they had been exactly where they needed to be. It was a goodbye, but also a deep, sacred recognition of love’s enduring presence. Whispers – A Love Letter to My Mother is Regina’s way of navigating that loss — of honoring her mother’s life and presence through image and memory. Created in the quiet aftermath of grief, this project offers an intimate window into the final chapters of a mother-daughter bond. It is tender, unguarded, and deeply personal. It is also, in many ways, universal. Before the quarantine of 2020, Regina offered her photographic skills as a volunteer for nonprofits, using her lens in service of others. But Whispers marks a return inward — toward family, toward home, toward the spaces where love and longing live side by side. Through each image, Regina captures not only what was lost, but also what remains: gestures, textures, light. The way love lingers, even after the physical form is gone. On Mother’s Day, this story asks us to pause. To remember. To feel. It honors the profound, often quiet sacrifices that mothers make, and the invisible threads that bind us to them — across time, across distance, even across silence. Whispers is a tribute, a farewell, and a thank you. A love letter written not in words, but in light. A Love Letter to My Mother On the evening of November 14th, 2022, holding my hands, my mother unexpectedly passed away. She was 98 years old. I say she died unexpectedly because she was not sick, she was at home. She was sleeping and woke up not feeling well. She had a heart attack. For the last few years before her death, every time I went back to Brazil, I started noticing changes in her daily routine. She stopped cooking, crocheting, knitting, and tending to her plants, all things she loved to do, and she started repeating stories over and over. She would sit alone, lost in her thoughts, looking fragile, lonely and vulnerable. That's when I started taking pictures of her, hoping to capture those moments to preserve and not forget them. Whispers - a Love Letter to My Mother, is an immersive introspection into the world of my mother, fragments of her final years; it's a personal project, yet I believe it speaks of universal subjects — unconditional love, the slow passing of time, the abiding feeling of loneliness that comes with the finitude of late old age. It was intimidating to capture the essence of someone I love in a photograph. However, it helped me to become very conscious of her vulnerability at those moments in her life. They were intimate and meaningful moments, yet emotionally exhausting and heartbreaking. I would be by her side for hours, listening to her stories, caring for her, sleeping with her, immersing myself in her world. For the first time since my mother passed away, I went back to her house last February. It was overwhelming and painful to be back there. Grief is weird; like everything else, it's different for everyone. For me, it hasn't been one long period of mourning, but rather many little things - missing calling her every Sunday, the lovely way she looked at me, her teaching me how to make everything neat and beautiful. She threw nothing away; instead, she always found a clever way to reuse it. Listening to her stories about growing up in a small village where most inhabitants were her relatives, or my father's. Her coffee, ah, her coffee, how I miss it! Every time I visited her, she would be waiting for me at the front door, no sooner had I arrived she would say, “This time you are going to stay longer, aren't you?” I miss returning home; that's what she was to me - home. My heart breaks when I think of her, and at the same time, I feel overwhelmed with joy when I see and hear the first signs of Spring, when I buy myself flowers, and have a cup of coffee on a silent misty morning; or when the warmth of the sun hits my face after a long winter, and my husband and I go for a walk in nature, or simply dance alone in the house. Joy and sorrow - maybe that's the only way to fully experience life. © Regina Melo © Regina Melo © Regina Melo © Regina Melo © Regina Melo © Regina Melo © Regina Melo © Regina Melo © Regina Melo © Regina Melo © Regina Melo © Regina Melo © Regina Melo © Regina Melo © Regina Melo © Regina Melo © Regina Melo © Regina Melo Whispers – A Love Letter to My Mother is more than a photographic project; it is Regina’s way of holding on. Each image is a fragment of memory, a way of preserving presence in the face of absence. Through her portraits of her mother and visual narrative, she offers a meditation on love, grief, and the enduring tenderness of the mother-daughter bond. For Regina, photography became a way to stay close — to see clearly, to listen deeply, to honor the small and sacred details of her mother’s final years. In capturing these moments, she wasn’t just documenting change; she was bearing witness to a life. To the silences. To the rituals. To the everyday grace that still lived in the corners of her mother’s world. And though her mother is no longer here, Regina continues to feel her presence — in the scent of morning coffee, in the way sunlight fills a quiet room, in the tender ache of memory stirred by the seasons. Love, she has learned, does not vanish. It shifts. It settles into new shapes. It lives in gestures, in stories, in the spaces we return to when we long for home. This project is both deeply personal and quietly universal. On Mother’s Day, Whispers invites us to pause and reflect on the women who raised us, shaped us, and loved us — often in ways that went unnoticed. It is a moment to remember, to honor, and perhaps, to see our mothers with new eyes. Whispers is a tribute, a farewell, and a gentle reminder that even in loss, a mother’s love continues to speak — softly, steadily, like a whisper. Throughout the years, Regina has expanded her photographic perspective and refined her craft through numerous workshops and participation in online photo salons. She has sought guidance from distinguished photographers such as Teresa Freitas, Dara Scully, and Oliver Mayhall at Domestika, Alec Soth and Joel Meyerowitz at Magnum Photos, as well as other renowned instructors like Laura Valenti, Leah Zawadzki, Roxanne Bryant, Deb Schwedhelm, Anita Perminova, and Jen Bilodeau. She has also worked with Aran Goyoaga in Portugal and Béa Peltre in England. These experiences have enriched her artistic vision and deepened her understanding of the power of photography as a medium for storytelling. Regina has also used her photographic skills in volunteer work for non-profit organizations, which has further connected her craft to meaningful causes. Her work has been featured in notable publications, including a 2024 creative collaboration with Docu Magazine and Blurb Books, and as a selected contributor in C2H Photography Magazine in 2022 and 2021. She was also featured in Visual Voices Magazine in 2022, where her photo essays were highlighted alongside the work of twelve other photographers. Additionally, her photographs appeared in Fine Gardening Magazine in 2020, showcasing a wildlife-friendly garden in Connecticut. Her dedication and talent have been recognized with accolades, including Second Place for the Whispers Project in 2022’s Book of the Month and Third Place for 5 Blocks from Home in the 2020 James Maher Photography online competition. Regina’s work continues to evolve as she captures the complexities of life through her lens, offering both intimate and universal perspectives on the world around her. As Whispers comes to a close, the silence it leaves behind lingers — soft, familiar, and full of memory. In honoring her mother, Regina found herself returning to a deeper question that lives quietly within so many of us: “What is home? Is it a place, a person, a moment in time — or something we carry inside, shaped by love, loss, and the passage of time?” For a further look into Regina’s world of visual storytelling, follow the link and engage more of her inspirational photography. Learn more about her process and her approach to creating photography. view Regina's portfolio Website >>> Instagram >>> Buy book >>> The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author/s, and are not necessarily shared by The Pictorial List and the team. read more stories >>> ORDINARY GRIEF What endures when everything else is uncertain? Through photography, Parisa Azadi asks us to see Iran not as story, but as feeling. THE EVERYMAN Eva Mallis uncovers the quiet strength of overlooked lives, capturing everyday encounters in Mumbai’s industrial districts as intimate portraits of labor and resilience. IN BETWEEN LIFE AND AFTER In Cairo’s City of the Dead, families carve out ordinary lives among centuries of tombs — Paola Ferrarotti traces the fragile line between memory and survival. UNFIGURED Nasos Karabelas transforms the human body into a site of emotional flux — where perception fractures and inner states become visible form. VISIONS OF ICELAND FROM ABOVE Massimo Lupidi takes flight above Iceland — capturing nature’s abstract brushstrokes where land, water, and sky blur into poetic visions beyond the ordinary eye. UNDER THE CLOUDS Giordano Simoncini presents a visual ethnography of the interconnectedness of indigenous cosmology, material life, and the ecological balance within the Quechua communities of the Peruvian Andes. NYC SUBWAY RIDERS BEFORE THE INVASION OF SMARTPHONES Hiroyuki Ito’s subway photographs reveal a vanished intimacy — strangers lost in thought in a world before digital distractions took hold. THE GHOST SELF Buku Sarkar stages her refusal to vanish. Her photographs are unflinching, lyrical acts of documentation, mapping a body in flux and a mind grappling with the epistemic dissonance of chronic illness. WHISPERS On Mother’s Day, Regina Melo's story asks us to pause. To remember. To feel. It honors the profound, often quiet sacrifices that mothers make, and the invisible threads that bind us to them. BEYOND THE MASK By stepping beyond the scripted world of professional wrestling and into the raw terrain of mental health, Matteo Bergami and Fabio Giarratano challenge long-held myths about masculinity, endurance, and heroism. FRAGMENTS OF TIME Each of jfk's diptychs functions as a microcosm of the city, allowing viewers to experience urban life as constant fragmented glimpses, mirroring the unpredictable nature of human interactions. VANISHING VENICE Lorenzo Vitali’s portrayal of Venice is an almost surreal experience — where time dissolves, and the viewer is left with the sensation of stepping into a dreamscape. CLAY AND ASHES Abdulla Shinose CK explores the challenges faced by Kumhar Gram's potters, balancing tradition and adaptation in the face of modern pressures. ISLAND Enzo Crispino’s photographic series, “Nêsos,” invites viewers into an introspective journey that mirrors the artist’s rediscovery of his voice in photography after a prolonged period of creative estrangement. BEYOND THE BRICKS Amid Bangladesh’s dynamic urban growth, Anwar Ehtesham’s photography takes us beyond statistics and headlines, revealing the hidden lives of the laborers working tirelessly in the nation’s brick kilns. OAXACA In Oaxaca, Tommaso Stefanori captures Día de los Muertos, exploring the convergence of life and death, human connections, and enduring cultural rituals through evocative photographs of tradition and emotion. BEHIND THE PLANTS Wayan Barre documents Cancer Alley residents facing pollution and economic challenges, shedding light on their resilience and the impacts of environmental injustice. THE RED POPPY AND THE SUN By blending archival and contemporary images, Mei Seva creates a visual story that captures the ongoing struggles and moments of triumph for those impacted by displacement and circumstance. FIRE AND FORGE Alexandros Zilos delves deep into the harsh reality of sulfur mining, while also capturing the allure of the blue fire phenomenon created by sulfur deposits in the crater. IN-VISIBLE PAIN Through black and white self-portraiture, Isabelle Coordes brings to light the stark reality of living with chronic pain — a reality often dismissed by a world that requires physical evidence to believe in one’s suffering. CELEBRATION OF LIFE Ahsanul Haque Fahim's photography captures Holi in Bangladesh, celebrating life with vibrant colors and reflecting human emotions, diversity, and interconnectedness in Dhaka's streets. KOALA COUNTRY Sean Paris invites viewers on a transformative journey, challenging our perceptions and fostering a new appreciation for rural Australia through mesmerizing infrared photography. MOMMIE Arlene Gottfried’s poignant exploration of motherhood in “Mommie” is not just a collection of photographs but a profound tribute to the enduring bonds of family and the universal experiences of love, loss, and resilience. BIFRÖST Amidst the breathtaking scenery of Norway, Romain Coudrier discovered the allure of rare light and subtle shades, immortalizing each moment in striking black and white with every click of his camera shutter. MUD Dedipya Basak's documentary project explores the struggle of an 800 year old lake against the impacts of global warming, revealing its continued relevance and urgent story in today’s changing climate.

I am an accomplished artist having studied art in college and then extensively with Haitian masters such as Roland Dorcely, Tiga, and Arijac, in Haiti. After 25 years of practicing several aspects of art, I discovered photography and absolutely fell in love with it. Although I consider myself to be autodidact, I have taken many courses with renowned photographers, notably with street photographer Eric Kim. I specialise in abstract street photography and I find Haiti to be a hotspot and very fertile ground for my craft. I am fascinated by the human condition, the ironies, the contradictions and the darker sides of life. I am also very passionate about documenting social causes. Currently I am studying Curation and Abstract Post Modern Art/Photography. I also adore music and cooking, and try to incorporate them into my love of photography. I am single mom, my two kids and my dog are my very best friends. VANESSA CASS I am an accomplished artist having studied art in college and then extensively with Haitian masters such as Roland Dorcely, Tiga, and Arijac, in Haiti. After 25 years of practicing several aspects of art, I discovered photography and absolutely fell in love with it. Although I consider myself to be autodidact, I have taken many courses with renowned photographers, notably with street photographer Eric Kim. I specialise in abstract street photography and I find Haiti to be a hotspot and very fertile ground for my craft. I am fascinated by the human condition, the ironies, the contradictions and the darker sides of life. I am also very passionate about documenting social causes. Currently I am studying Curation and Abstract Post Modern Art/Photography. I also adore music and cooking, and try to incorporate them into my love of photography. I am single mom, my two kids and my dog are my very best friends. LOCATION HAITI CAMERA/S Leica DL7 @VCASS_PHOTOGRAPHY FEATURES // The Golden Hour of Haiti Random Passersby