Picture you, Picture me
Picture you, Picture me is a collaborative and explorative portrait project with my daughter Laoisha. Born in Galway Ireland in 2002, Laoisha has Downs Syndrome. Naturally evolving from my daughter’s curiosity and urge to stand on the other side of the camera, she has taken more and more control of the camera and of me. Directing each other through role-play and instructions, we decide how the other stands, which direction to face and even facial expressions. These are playful interactions where the camera becomes an instrument of amusement and our photo shoots become play sessions.
Starting in 2008, this project is still ongoing, and we are still shooting together to this day. The project and image content will evolve naturally in relation to Laoishas ability to control the camera and the development of her visual language and will continue on until she no longer wants me in the picture.Exploring topics such as child autonomy and the relationship between subject and photographer it allows the viewer a personal view into this mother/ daughter relationship.
