There are moments in life when we feel uncomfortable in the company of others—the feeling of not quite fitting in, of being different, of social awkwardness that eventually isolates us from the world around us. This experience is universal, yet often difficult to put into words. My new photographic project, titled Awkward, seeks to capture and visualize this elusive feeling. It is inspired by the works of photographers such as Gregory Crewdson, Helmut Newton, Erwin Olaf, and Alec Dawson—four masters at creating visual tension between the ordinary and the extraordinary.
The project revolves around the concept of social awkwardness. The main character in each scene feels trapped in this discomfort, leading to apathy. It is a form of loneliness in a crowd—an experience we all know but rarely express out loud.
Each photo in the project consists of two images. On one side, a disorienting on-location scene, in which the model finds themselves in a strange, uncomfortable situation. On the other side, a separate studio portrait, incorporating subtle elements that reference the first scene. This combination creates a contrast: the unmistakable alienation of the setting is reflected in the intimate, personal experience of the model. It highlights the contrast between the world we inhabit and the way we feel within it.
I use a combination of artificial and ambient light to create a cinematic, almost film-like atmosphere. This enhances the meaning of the images and invites the viewer to experience a moment of introspection. The project explores how we position ourselves in a world that often feels unfamiliar, while also preserving our identity amidst the alienation.
This project is an invitation to recognize your own moments of discomfort and isolation—and perhaps even to reconsider your place in the world. Because in the end, this project is not just my story; it is also yours. It is the story of everyone who has ever felt awkward in the presence of others, who has recognized themselves in the silence of a crowded room.
