Photographing and Embracing Everyone’s Differences and Accomplishments as a Photographer

Maksim – An Awesome 3 Year Old With Pfeiffer’s Syndrome #SeeBeyondMyFace

It is slightly ironic that less than a week after photographing celebrities at the Toronto International Film Festival, that I was part of an amazing gallery show ‘See Beyond The Face’ with About Face International.  This Toronto photo exhibit aimed to encourage awareness and acceptance towards individuals with facial differences.

This is a group that I have supported for 18 years. It was a privilege to take portraits of Maksim for the exhibit, a resilient 3 year old who has Pfeiffer’s Syndrome.  He has endured 17 surgeries in his life so far.   Having gone through well over 12 facial reconstructive facial surgeries myself, due to a car accident at the age of 18, I have a definite bond with these kids. I know what it is like to face the world with uncomfortable glares and judgement (not to mention the painful recovery time). But what I can’t relate to is the strength that these young kids go through when still so young.  I can’t relate to the cruel comments from strangers as a child who is just trying to figure out the world.   I just love Maks. I’m so proud that I can share these images with you all. Here are the recent photos on my site of this little boy.

Some may wonder how I can support such an important cause as About Face International, but then be a part of a somewhat superficial industry, photographing celebs on the red carpet, while revealing a ‘made up’ sense of beauty.  One could say that my photos of public figures could make viewers feel ‘less beautiful’ when they unconsciously compare.  I don’t see it this way. My goal continues to have others FEEL proud and beautiful with what they were given and who they are.   I definitely feel the most passion, photographing the ‘non-standard’ idea of beauty, but that doesn’t have to be people born with syndromes or differences.

Waiting for talent to arrive on the red carpet at Roy Thomson Hall, Toronto

I view the celebrities for what they are…one component of the entertainment and film industry that is full of individuals with a lot of passion.  They have career goals and talents like the rest of us in life.  In the end, it is an  industry that provides both escapism and also inspires people. This is one reason that I believe our culture is infatuated by the celebrity world (although way too much these days, which is another topic altogether). Red carpets are where many businesses connect to sell fashion, products, movies and a talent’s brand.  We are all in a business of selling something that uses our talent, and the hard working entertainment professionals are no different.

Fashion designers, makeup artists, directors, producers, actors, writers, publicists and the thousands behind the scenes who help produce a film are all passionate about what they are doing. They work countless days and hours to create a strong end product that hopefully will ‘sell’, and that the public will enjoy. That is the part I respect and see on a red carpet…all of the hard work that goes into the festivities.

Angelina Jolie outside Elgin Theatre in Toronto for the Premiere of ‘The Breadwinner’

Angelina Jolie had one of the most striking faces I’ve ever seen in person, because she has an original look (and with minimal makeup). It was interesting  to observe her distinct facial features a foot away from me.  I’m guessing she would be the first to admit that she can’t take any credit for what she was born with.  But don’t be mistaken, I admired photographing Maks just as much (even more so).  It was my job to highlight his character and both inner and outer beauty(And I think this kid is freakin’ cute).  For me personally, it is not a contradiction to then photograph an actress like Angelina Jolie and display my images to the public.  That is what I love about what I do, being able to display the unique aesthetics in everyone I photograph.  Beauty is not just about the standard form, for me as a photographer.

I’ve truly come to realize over the years in my profession, that it’s those who are ‘different’ (in whatever form that may be), that excites me most as an artist.  I can only strive to capture this through the camera in everyone I photograph.