#positivevibes

This study was created as a reminder. Reminder that humans are emotional beings that experience and need to experience the full spectrum of emotions. From excitement, love and laughter through loneliness, sadness and anger to heartache…there isn’t even a full list that can be referenced. And we do experience it all no matter if it is consciously or not.

But this is not about emotional intelligence. Today’s issue that the series are addressing is representation. In a “pictures or it didn’t happen” world, visual validation becomes key for how we perceive what we experience. We can relax on the beach only if we show on Instagram how relaxing it is. What concert it would be if we don’t broadcast a live video of the stage on Facebook. Instagood food, instagood vacations, luxurious influencers stories, likes, reactions, #positivevibes. Everyone is smiling, vacationing, creating, becoming successful, is already successful, loved, hugged, enjoying life to its fullest in amazing exotic locations and private beaches unless it’s Monday in the office because that sucks. Oh, and also if there is no coffee… that sucks too.

I do need to underline that I embrace social networks, and this is not an attempt to condemn any social platforms or generation or latest trend driven ways to communicate and share. But we do need to become more sensitive on how positive-only imagery in an image driven world affects how we identify, accept and experience emotions on the “negative” end of the emotional spectrum. We need to make crying or being sad, depressed or bored or even boring valid again… to ourselves and the world if needed. Ignoring or hiding those visually will not make those disappear but it is already masking the ups and downs (and flats) everyone goes through. Influencers also cry.

I hope the portraits will remind viewers that it is ok to shed a tear or two or cry like a baby if you feel like crying… even maybe capture those times. As a reminder to yourself. No need to share or hashtag #negativevibes. Let’s not do that a thing.

I would like to thank all the models for allowing me to be there and record those moments. I know it wasn’t easy and I appreciate your courage.

Images do not claim any photographic value. Tears however are truthful.

Thanks to the 1% that read this before they looked at the photos. You prove the point I am trying to make.