I was never really good at separating myself from the other. That condition made it difficult for me to navigate the world and the relationships I had in my life, and it would lead to a lot of anxiety and disorientation. But when it comes to portraiture, it makes sense: I discovered that merging my identity with the people I photograph makes me feel so empathetic and vulnerable that I get that in return. It is the perfect amount of intimacy, the closest I get to feeling human and therefore seeing the human that is in front of me.
The medium format is essential in my process, for the connection only happens when the process is slowed down, and the composition of the picture needs to be precise. By inserting that challenge, I force myself outwards and present in the moment, and that fragile moment of the shutter being pressed is then an invitation for the sitter to play with me in order to create the right image; for both of us. By using the analog as my friend, I allow myself to fuse with the sitter more easily, as we take time to connect and to trust each other. That creates the right mindset for both of us to create art.