I want to remember you like this. Like how? Like exactly as you are.

There are many instances where I become overwhelmed by the beauty of people I know. I feel the the urge to stop time & capture their presence; their uniqueness, their energy, how their precious lives crash into my own. I marvel at the way I think I know who they are, when in fact I’m only witnessing a small part. Portraiture has granted me access to human essence, eye contact through the lens playing portal to the heart.

In 2018 my step dad Jim let me toy around with his 35mm 2000 Canon. The automatic focus gave me the confidence to shoot on film. With no training whatsoever, I set up a backdrop and lighting kit in my dining room and started inviting people I knew for a portrait session. I committed to taking 100 portraits and thought it would be an easy thing. Anyone who knows what they’re doing will tell you film photography ain’t no easy thing.

Since I started, I’ve learned more about photography and met more people who have touched my heart. This project is taking longer than I thought, while becoming more & more meaningful as time goes by.

Please contact me with questions, comments or inquiries.

email: am@amara.studio
instagram: @aleksa.mara