you’re not alone like you think you are
a photography documentary and zine about navigating young adulthood living with cerebral palsy and the subtle dance between change and monotony in a small texan town before leaving for college - before life changes forever.
texas (2023)
you're not alone like you think you are pictures emma and the slowness of her last summer at home before leaving for college - before life changes forever.
born and raised in a small town near fort worth, texas, 19-year-old emma has been a fighter from day one - she has dystonic mild cerebral palsy and, through this collaboration, offers a unique insight into her life as she navigates young adulthood with her condition, balancing the subtle dance between change and monotony during this defining time of her life.
through her reflections, this zine delves into emma's experiences of growing up, feeling different, dealing with pity from peers, struggling with gym class, and how these experiences haunt her to this day. we highlight her journey towards self-acceptance, learning to set boundaries, and empowering herself. everyday challenges, like a memorable drive-thru incident, illustrate emma's ongoing struggles but, even more so, her resilience and strength.
we hope emma's story provides support to others with disabilities, and fosters understanding among those without.
“i’m sick of being held back.”
zine:
48 pages / 35 images
8.5 x 11" (21.5 x 27.94 cm)
each copy will be signed and numbered
staple, full-color printing, 80lb satin text
cover: matte lamination, 100lb satin cover
shot on ricoh gr iiix
peek into the book:
emma's dad is my mom's cousin and we first met in 2012 during a family gathering in texas when she was 7 and i was 19. our families stayed in touch through occasional facebook chats, and we reunited in the summer of 2022. she recently visited me in los angeles and will start film school in georgia this fall. emma granted me a deep, intimate look into her present and her past, allowing me access to her world while i spent the summer of 2023 in texas with her and her family after a breakup from a 5-year relationship. emma is like my second younger sister, and i'm beyond grateful for the bond we share.
