EDITORS’ PICK
The Intoxication of Youth
YOUTHHOOD
Youthhood Editors’ Pick
Following Hellen van Meene’s selection of winning images for our recent YOUTHHOOD competition, this compilation of 20 images represents some of the other talented photographers whose work struck us and left a mark. Each a stunning image worthy of exposure and attention…
For this month’s theme Youthhood, we wanted to discover images that characterize this unique but brief stage of life that has the most poignant and lasting impact. From nostalgic family snapshots to portraits of defiant young adults rebelling against their younger selves, we sought fresh context and perspective on this new generation from a variety of viewpoints.
When selecting for editor’s picks we’re always searching for those striking photographs that have potential as an unforgettable single image, whether from a broader series or not. The accompanying text some photographers submit with their images is not always necessary, but can be relevant when understanding the work in full context.
These are intended to be a conversation starter… so feel free to join the discussion on our social networks.
BANNER IMAGE COURTESY OF FABIO GASSER
www.gasserbrothers.com / @fabio.gasser
“Rural Basketball Court, Siargao, Philippines, 2018.”
Editor’s comment: The ability to make use of any item or surrounding to your advantage and entertainment is a skill held by many children and few adults. This make-shift basketball court set against this rural, mountainous landscape seems like an ideal place for a children to play, pretend and challenge each-other. The photograph, with its elements of movement and dominating green shade, nicely captures the energy and spirit of youth.
IMAGE COURTESY OF DOROTA COULERU
@dorota.couleru_artphotography
“Lockdown – While we pass pandemic lockdown in our home town, my kids and I were trying to find a way how to make our days full of activities with fresh air… Here they play on the balcony window… The different perspective of light and shadow gives much contrast to our daily life during pandemic times.”
Editor’s comment: These little silhouettes at play instantly bring me back to the long summer holidays at home with my siblings – endless games, competitiveness and silliness – far removed from the reality of lockdown families with young children have had to endure over the past year or so. A huge amount of pressure was immediately placed on parents to become teacher, entertainer, friend, carer and servant for their children on a constant, more intense level. All this while worrying about the ongoing threat to their own and their family’s health, wellbeing and workload. Hopefully, in time, dreamy snapshots like this will represent the pandemic in the family albums, and hidden will be the tears, tantrums, fear and tired eyes.
IMAGE COURTESY OF KAROLIINA KASE
www.karoliinakase.com / @karoliinakase
“Cameron from the series The Ravens Tell You Where the Dead Are. This series is about rural Australia in the age of extinction. For one and a half years, I traveled around the country with a fencing team. Throughout this time, I documented intensive agriculture, especially animal agriculture, and its detrimental effects on the environment. While I focus on past and current land management, I’m also interested in the people who live in rural Australia as they are increasingly affected by environmental degradation and climate change. The Ravens Tell You Where the Dead Are is a story about the loss of natural life and livelihoods amidst humanity’s continuing destructive consumption.”
Editor’s comment: Looking at this photograph without context may conjure nostalgia and excitement, but when reading the story behind the series and its subjects, the viewer could immediately switch to dread and discomfort. The next generation are now already inheriting the terrible effects of climate change, more so in rural and coastal areas where the communities there live-off and work the land. Youthhood today seems layered with a lot more fear, responsibility and instructions for the important task of saving the planet. I hope we can continue to communicate the urgency of this emergency and initiate action through our photography, art and journalism.
IMAGE COURTESY OF ISABEL PINTO
www.isabelpintophotography.com / @isabelpintophotography
Editor’s comment: Such a striking mix of colour and composition – there’s energy at first glance, but as you focus in on the subject the energy dissipates and sympathy becomes the more predominant sense – is the subject is ill? Just tired possibly? The toothy grin seen through the glass gives the viewer a little glimmer of hope, maybe a reminder that this is temporary and our subject hopes to be back in top form soon. A beautiful balance of subject and background.
IMAGE COURTESY OF CHELSEA BALLINGER
www.chelsdreams.com / @chelsdreams
Editor’s comment: Childhood is full of make believe – whether it’s your own imagination or someone else’s – a less inhibited universe is available at all times, to explore, make friends, create and express. For adults we play with boundaries – sports, classes, hobbies – it’s fun but the imagination levels decrease as we age and reinforce these boundaries. This image it’s full of colour and creativity, encouraging the viewer to envision what game the child may be conjuring up, but I’d love to know if the child or photographer created this scene.
IMAGE COURTESY OF HANNE VAN ASSCHE
@hanne.vanassche
“This series is about a small mining town called Udachny. It is located in Yakutia, a remote region captured in the icy grip of winter most of the year. A frozen world of dense taiga and immense tundra zones and hardy pine trees. Few people choose to live here, but those who do are proud citizens. Yakutia is known as the treasury of Russia. It is one of the world’s richest regions in natural resources. According to Siberian legend, God once spilled a bag of earthly treasures over this part of the country. A thick layer of permafrost covers large reserves of coal, gas, gold and – diamonds. In 1955 they stumbled upon an exceptionally large diamond deposit. Its discovery was a stroke of luck.”
Editor’s comment: The subject appears isolated in the scene, much like the town she inhabits, but an element of quiet defiance hides within the image – from her fascial expression to the brilliant blue costume. The photographer makes no attempt to sugar-coat the harsh environment, reinforcing the connection of community and habitat. The juxtaposition of the subject in such light attire placed out in this icy landscape, is less of a staged scene to draw attention, and seems more like a document of everyday life in this part of the world.
IMAGE COURTESY OF JUANCHO VILLALOBOS
@juancho1001
“”Young people are in a condition like permanent intoxication, because youth is sweet and they are growing.” – Aristotle”
Editor’s comment: Forging close friendships are some of the most enjoyable aspects of becoming a teenager – the close proximity, sharing of private jokes, experimenting with new looks, and creating new memories. I really like the angle the photographer has taken with this image, bringing the viewer right in to this intimate moment, the use of natural light underpinning the atmosphere of excitement and anticipation.
IMAGE COURTESY OF MICHAEL LIANI
www.michaelliani.com / @michael_liani
“From a project in which I document the next generation of my Moroccan immigrant family in Israel. S’emek brings into light certain significant yet perhaps more unknown and unacknowledged aspects of Israeli culture, that make up the large and familiar identity of the Israeli public. He does this through focusing on the local community of his hometown – Migdal HaEmek- and by creating a symbiotic mediation of his immediate family. These cultural aspects are there to expand and deepen the public identity in order to create a continuity between other societies and communities in Israel based on aesthetics, taste and cultural style at its deepest understanding. Style is understood in the sense of the productive and consumerist logic that is repeated and embedded in the traditional customs of individuals within groups, families or societies. The people, places and content that are staged and documented create a connection between cultural and class identity, between ethical and aesthetic identity.”
Editor’s comment: This dreamy depiction of youth seems to be layered with significance, as the photographer indicates to an added aspect of responsibility and expectation of previous generations. We see a young person posed as if they are exploring their identity and surroundings within the canvas of this rich culture and its traditions. The soft light and tones in this photograph add a subtle celebration of identity and belonging; sometimes at conflict and sometimes in harmony. Looking forward to seeing more from this series.
IMAGE COURTESY OF KETIL BORN
www.born.no / @ketilborn
“My three daughters, a late August evening, on an island close to the Arctic Circle.”
Editor’s comment: The light in this scene seems to enhance the moment, suspending the subjects and highlighting the relationship between them. Technically, a difficult scene to photograph with the low evening light, but the necessity to capture this serene moment takes priority here and the result is this hauntingly beautiful composition. A well captured moment of unity.
IMAGE COURTESY OF FRED MITCHELL
www.yayfredmitchell.com / @yayfredmitchell
“From the series A Country Boy Can’t Survive. It was with a sense of urgency that I focused my lens on my immediate surroundings. Upon the realization of my impending departure from the region from which I hailed, I aimed to preserve a time and place. My reasoning was personal, so I may return to these photographs and experience them after they faded with time.
After I moved away, as far as I could see this work had concluded and served its purpose, yet I was haunted by an indescribable ache. The rose colored glasses with which I longed to view my past were clouded by malaise and melancholy. To make sense of these feelings I have tenderly examined the prominent features of my upbringing.
Within this ongoing documentation I found an underlying pang for events to have unfolded differently. As I have changed and developed, this world has remained static. Of course time wears on us all, but I cannot help longing for a better circumstances for these people and this place.”
Editor’s comment: The image portrays an idyllic, suburban environment – where childhood is spent thick in community celebrations, marking annual events with family, friends and neighbours. The photographer’s intention with this image, and the series it represents, is to use as a reminder of their identity and place – “I aimed to preserve a time and place”. These simple, opportunistic snapshots can be an important addition to our scrapbook of self-identity.
IMAGE COURTESY OF JULIAN SCHULZ
www.julianschulzimages.com.au / @schulzyyyy
“Caleb, Cherrybrook Skatepark, Sydney, Australia.”
Editor’s comment: This black and white image seems like a postcard from the past – a nod to Ed Templeton or Larry Clark’s work, and the iconic LA skate scene of the 90’s – only the cell phone giving away the era. An air of uncompromising certainty surrounds the subject, seemingly unaware, or more likely not bothered by the photographer’s appearance. Finding your identity within tribes like this, outside the family unit, is one of the primary teenage rites of passage.
IMAGE COURTESY OF HYUNMIN RYU
www.hyunminryu.com / @hyunminr
“A series of photography about my nephew who became my best friend from the moment he was born. Although he is my best friend, there will be a gap between his and mine memories, differences in values will arise, and eventually we will grow up to be individual and mysterious human beings. Perhaps that path is the relationship between a child and an adult. This work shows the failure of one person to fully understand the other through the ontological uncertainty of photography.”
Editor’s comment: This abstract angle is a curious and subtle way to depict such an understated yet poignant relationship. The photographer discusses the importance of this bond with their nephew, but the image conveys a sadder element – the cut in the forehead possibly a symbol for a crack in the union, as they both grow and navigate their lives differently. A muted image with a softly delivered narrative.
IMAGE COURTESY OF ABBY ARTISH
@abby.the.artish
“My daughter is my greatest muse. She encourages me to look as if it’s the first time I’m seeing, without preconception. My favorite images of her are those which do not show her face, which allow the viewer to better place themselves into her world.”
Editor’s comment: This image is full of the ingredients of youth – freedom, innocence and wonder – but what really draws me to it, is the literal perspective of the child. We may be mindful of how children see the world through their learning and social development but we don’t always think about how they physically see their environments. Items that we, as adults, see as mundane can be utterly fascinating, and the places we see has exciting can a potential threat to them. This is a comforting visual note to remind us to see things from another visual perspective.
IMAGE COURTESY OF DIANA CHEREN NYGREN
www.dianacherennygren.com / @dianacherennygrenphotography
“Lulu Saves the Day. The series Superheroes addresses the imagination and flights of fancy of which children are uniquely capable. I am intrigued by the childhood fascination with superheroes, children’s ability to make a game anywhere and out of anything, but also the tenuousness of these bursts of enthusiasm. Children feel strongly, and the magic of imagined worlds can quickly dissolve into despair and just as quickly shift back again.”
Editor’s comment: Using imagination to feel safe and strong is a powerful tool used by all of us, but perhaps more creatively by children. The majority of this scene is purposely understated and nondescript in tone, until our colourful, little super-hero – perched precariously in the background – unknowingly catches the viewers eye before embarking on another action-adventure. A well capture and composed image of youthhood.
IMAGE COURTESY OF R.J. KERN
www.rjkern.com / @kernphoto
“In 2016, I made portraits of youth contestants at Minnesota county fairs. Each participant–some as young as four years old– spent a year raising an animal, which they entered into a 4-H livestock competition. None of the youth I photographed succeeded in winning an award, despite the obvious care they have given to their animal.
Four years later, in 2020, I returned to photograph the young subjects, asking them what they carried forward from their previous experience. Some of them have continued to pursue animal husbandry while others developed other interests. We imagine some of these kids will choose to continue running their family farms, an unpredictable and demanding way to make a living.
As I created the second group of photographs, I asked them what were their thoughts, their dreams, and their goals for the future? How do they fit in the future of agricultural America?
The Unchosen Ones depicts the bloom of youth and the mettle of the kids who grow up on farms, reminding us how resilient children can be when confronted with life’s inevitable disappointments. The formal quality of the lighting and setting endow these young people with a gravitas beyond their years, revealing self-direction dedication in some, and in others, perhaps, the pressures of traditions imposed upon them. The portraits capture a particular America, a rural world, and a time in life when the layered emotions of youth are laid bare.”
Editor’s comment: Some of us – for many reasons – have to grow up faster than others, and few more so than those working on family farms. Farmland is a wonderful place to explore as a child, but it is also full or responsibility and care, where you can at times witness birth, life and death in quicker succession than normally experienced in an urban setting. There is so much joy and pride in this image, underpinned by a strong selection of tones and shades. I truly feel the confidence of the subject, enjoying their childhood and the duties that accompany it, seemingly unaffected by the past years obstacles.
IMAGE COURTESY OF SIMONE RAELI
@volevofarelarcheologo
Editor’s comment: An image blue in tones and emotions, this photograph captures the viewers senses almost immediately – from sight and smell to nostalgia and empathy. The rocky terrain and surrounding waters adding weight to the isolation of the subject, you can almost taste the salt in the air and empathise with the emotions the child wears on his face. A true glimpse into the complexity of Youthhood.
IMAGE COURTESY OF KRISTEN BINDER
www.kbinderphoto.com / @kristenbinderphotography
“Priscillia, 16 & Anais, 16, Paris, France. I began photographing teenagers sort of by accident. I love photographing all kinds of people, and when I encountered some teenage boys who were outfitted in leather jackets and torn jeans and carrying skateboards, I asked if I could make a portrait of them. The images resonated with me. Teenagers are no longer children, but not yet adults, and are at a point in their lives where they’re figuring out who they are and what they are all about. Their clothes, their hair, their accessories and their attitudes are some of the things they use to express their individuality. So inspired by those skater kids, I set out to make more portraits of teens; to capture these details as a social document of our time – or rather – their time.
I use a Hasselblad 503C film camera for this ongoing series. I find that looking down at the image on the ground glass is a less aggressive way of photographing people, and leads to more honest portraits. Maybe this is because people are so used to photographers raising the camera to their face, they aren’t really sure that they’re being photographed yet. Or maybe they’re just teenagers, and don’t give a f*ck about me…”
Editor’s comment: The expressions on their faces sum-up so much about being a teenager – uncertainty and skepticism while appearing nonchalant and asserting self-assurance. I really like the symmetry in their outfits and stance, another expression of tenacity. The photographer considers the fragility of this attitude, choosing a medium format film camera as a buffer to relax the subject and ensure the vulnerability is captured along with all the other aspects of their merging personalities.
IMAGE COURTESY OF JOSEPH-PHILIPPE BEVILLARD
www.jpbevillard.com / @jpbevillard_colour
“In 2009, I started photographing the Travellers, an ethnic group at a horse fair in Ireland. I returned to the horse fair the following year to meet them again and to give them some photos I had taken. They gained my trust and invited me to photograph their families and other clans. I am intrigued by their nomadic lifestyle so I decided to visit their caravans, halting sites and roadside encampments. In March 2017, Irish Travellers group have been formally recognised as an ethnic group. Today, they are still facing racism, discrimination, hardship by society and high suicide rates. Travellers are very proud of their culture. I want to represent these people through my photographs. My goal is to continue to work with these families as well as other members that I encounter, and perhaps let the settled people have more understanding of their unique culture.”
Editor’s comment: On one level the image seems to contradict the photographers intention. This arresting scene and sad expressions, don’t depict a happy place for children to enjoy their youth and, or feel safe exploring. However, therein lies the problem – my own prejudice, presuming and judging on the two-dimensional visual alone. I would really like to see more from this series, to delve into the stories of this community and further understand how young people navigate their culture and traditions. Looking forward to seeing how the photographer develops this project and continues to give a voice to one of Ireland’s oldest communities.
IMAGE COURTESY OF BAZ ANDERSON
www.bazandersonphoto.com
“Meet Jackson, who is in transition from childhood to adolescence.”
Editor’s comment: The simplicity of this image is the magic of it. A portrait of true transition, depicting the fact that young people are faced with this constant state of change. Experimenting with autonomy and independence while holding on to the comfort of the past – seen quite plainly here – isn’t always an obvious act in children or adolescents, but is always there playing a part in their development. A bittersweet portrait of youth.
IMAGE COURTESY OF SOUPRAYEN RAMAYE KEVIN
@kaniar_vision
Editor’s comment: Without knowing anything about this subject, there’s a sense of familiarity in their face, quietly confident – the knowing look and spark in their eyes betraying the person within, more of an adult than a child – ready for whatever happens next. The subject is almost challenging the viewer to join in, as if ready for a new game. I like how the photographer has framed this scene, more of a portrait than a street shot – you can’t help but smile back.
