Taking Pause

Taking Pause is a documentary portrait project that asks people to reflect on what in their lives feels most essential. 

With what do we identify and connect most deeply? What truly matters to us, and why?   

This series seeks to create telling portraits of people through what is deeply meaningful to them.  To make these portraits I ask each participant the same simple thought-provoking question: “what is irreplaceable to you?”

Each person is documented with two distinct portraits.  One of their physical self and another of their reflective self,  through what they have chosen to share.  It is a collaborative project as those who participate are more than passing subjects.  In addition to sharing something of deep personal resonance, each participant also tells the story behind what they chose and engages others to take part in the project. 

Taking Pause combines photographs and stories in a visual and verbal narrative that explores the complexities and simplicities of what we value.  The intent is to document the differences and commonalities of these choices while engaging the spectrum of American diversity and disconnections.