THE PLAYERS
For my 3-year project “Athletes,” I began as an observer, capturing games from a distance, much like a spectator. I had to observe the entire scene and focus on my senses for extended periods to capture those "decisive moments." Then, I would intuitively press the shutter to take a fleeting instant where all elements in a scene aligned in perfect harmony. As I observed and captured these moments, I realized that engaging deeply with subjects and helping shape their narratives physically and emotionally made my work more meaningful. I aimed to capture the raw emotions of sports—from the joy of victory to the pain of defeat—by building strong connections with athletes and showcasing their effort and teamwork. Over time, I began experimenting with staged photos, acquiring control of every element—the lighting, composition, and body language. It became less about reacting to what was happening before me and more about shaping the visual story I wanted to tell. This process taught me how to direct and collaborate with athletes, making my work more intentional and expressive. As a photographic artist, I want my images to be not just striking visual images but to give a little space for my viewers to share the narrative and form their questions. My images bridge viewers and my subjects, drawing them into the game's intensity, triumph, and emotion as if they were on the field themselves.
