Portfolio

Download a PDF with all projects from recent years here: PDF Portfolio | PDF Media Spreads

En Voyage with the Spirited Bajau Seafarers / Malaysia

In “En Voyage with the Spirited Bajau Seafarers,” I document the lives of the Bajau, a people renowned for their deep connection to the ocean. For centuries, they have navigated the Sulu Sea, relying on their mastery of boat-building, fishing, and free diving to sustain their nomadic existence. This project focuses on the Bajau communities near Semporna in Malaysia’s Sabah region, where many continue to live aboard handcrafted wooden houseboats known as lansa. The journey takes place amidst the daily rhythms of Bajau life, capturing everything from underwater hunts with handmade spearguns to the communal rituals that strengthen their seafaring bonds. The imagery reveals not just their remarkable adaptations to life at sea but also the growing challenges they face—ranging from maritime border restrictions to the struggle for legal recognition, as many remain stateless. By documenting these traditions and uncertainties, I aim to portray a culture at a crossroads, where resilience meets modern pressures. While the world around them rapidly transforms, the Bajau continue to honor their ocean-bound heritage, holding onto a way of life that is slowly fading from existence.

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On the Hunt with the Last Nomadic Penan / Malaysia

In “On the Hunt with the Last Nomadic Penan,” I document the traditional lifestyle of the Penan tribe, one of Borneo’s last nomadic communities, led by headman Guman Megut and his family. For generations, the Penan have thrived as hunters and gatherers in Sarawak’s rainforests, relying on their profound knowledge of the land for sustenance. Through immersive photography and storytelling, I capture their daily activities, from foraging and hunting with blowpipes to the construction of temporary shelters using forest resources. The narrative also addresses the external challenges they face, such as deforestation and encroaching modernity, which threaten their ancestral lands and way of life. By highlighting the Penan’s deep connection to their environment and their resilience in preserving their cultural identity, this project aims to raise awareness about the importance of safeguarding indigenous traditions in our rapidly changing world.

Diving for Gold – The Subaqueous Miners of Pinut-an / Philippines

In the coastal village of Pinut-an, Southern Leyte, Philippines, a unique and perilous form of livelihood unfolds beneath the ocean’s surface. Here, local miners engage in subaqueous gold extraction, diving into the depths with makeshift equipment in search of precious metal deposits. This practice, while fraught with danger, has become an integral part of the community’s economic fabric. Through immersive photography and storytelling, I aim to shed light on the daily lives of these miners, capturing their resilience, the risks they undertake, and the intricate methods they employ in their underwater pursuits. This project seeks to provide a window into a world where tradition, necessity, and the human spirit converge beneath the waves.

Dead End in El Norte / Philippines

Life and death intertwine in unexpected ways within Manila’s North Cemetery. In “Dead End in El Norte,” I navigate the daily existence of families who have made tombs and mausoleums their homes, forging lives among the departed. Within this vast necropolis, children play on gravestones, vendors sell snacks beside burial sites, and generations grow up in the shadow of loss, yet with an unwavering sense of resilience. This project unfolds through intimate encounters with the cemetery’s residents—gravediggers, former overseas workers, street vendors, and teachers—each carrying a story of survival in a place that offers shelter but few opportunities. While some carve out a living through caretaking and memorial services, others battle to break free from the cycle of poverty that binds them to the cemetery walls. Through immersive photography and firsthand narratives, I aim to shed light on this overlooked community, capturing moments of hardship, faith, and fleeting joy. As the city expands and urban renewal threatens to displace these residents, their future remains uncertain. This project seeks to document a way of life that may soon disappear, a testament to those who have found a home where few would dare to stay.

Ghost Month – Interdimensional Love / Taiwan

This comprehensive project explores the intricate rituals and beliefs that shape Taiwan’s rich cultural tapestry. Through evocative photography and insightful narratives, I examine the island’s profound connection between the living and the spiritual realm. From the Pudu rituals during Ghost Month—where offerings are made to appease wandering spirits—to the transformation of individuals like Nana Chen, a former makeup artist who becomes a vessel for the Buddhist deity Ji Gong Shi-Fu, these traditions reveal the enduring presence of the supernatural in everyday life. The project also delves into the evolution of ancestral offerings, highlighting artisans like Yean Han, who crafts elaborate paper effigies with her small team that reflect the influence of modern consumerism on age-old customs. By documenting these ceremonies and personal stories, I aim to illuminate how Taiwan’s people navigate and honor their ancestral ties, ensuring that these sacred traditions persist amid contemporary societal shifts.

Tabu is Life – The Importance of Shell Money / Papua New Guinea

This comprehensive project explores the enduring significance of Tabu shell money within the Tolai culture of East New Britain, Papua New Guinea. Despite the country’s independence from Australia in 1975, Tabu remains deeply embedded in social, spiritual, and economic practices. More than just a form of currency, it serves as a symbol of respect, a medium for traditional transactions, and a vital element in cultural ceremonies. Through evocative photography and in-depth narratives, I document the ways in which Tabu continues to shape daily life—from bride price payments and compensation rituals to its role in maintaining social harmony within the community. The project also highlights the intricate process of collecting, preparing, and stringing the shell money, revealing how these time-honored traditions persist despite the increasing influence of the modern cash economy. By capturing these practices, I aim to illustrate how the Tolai people navigate the balance between tradition and progress. While globalization steadily reshapes Papua New Guinea, Tabu remains a powerful cultural anchor, resisting obsolescence and maintaining its status as more than just a relic of the past—it is a living testament to the resilience of indigenous identity.

Sepik – Source of Life / Papua New Guinea

The Sepik River is a realm where ancient traditions and untamed wilderness converge. In “Sepik: Source of Life,” I embed myself among the river’s crocodile hunters, men whose skills have been passed down for generations, navigating dense mangroves and murky waters in pursuit of the revered reptiles. Their connection to these creatures extends beyond the hunt—crocodiles are spiritual icons, their strength and resilience reflected in the elaborate scarification rituals that mark a young man’s passage into adulthood. This journey unfolds in the heart of Sepik’s cultural landscape, where I not only witness the daring night hunts but also experience the electrifying atmosphere of the Sepik Crocodile Festival. Drums pulse through the humid air as warriors, their bodies etched with scars resembling crocodile scales, perform ceremonial dances that honor their ancestors. Through fire-lit gatherings and riverside storytelling, I gain rare insights into a world where myth and survival intertwine. With immersive photography and firsthand narratives, I aim to capture the raw energy, deep spirituality, and daily struggles of the Sepik people. As modernity encroaches, these traditions face uncertainty, making it ever more vital to document a way of life that may soon be lost to time.

Lamafa – Hunting the Ancestor’s Gift / Indonesia

In “Lamafa – Hunting the Ancestor’s Gift,” I examine the artisan whale hunting practices of the Lamalera village on Indonesia’s Lembata Island. This project explores the cultural, spiritual, and subsistence aspects of the Lamalerans’ way of life, where the annual whale hunt is not merely a means of sustenance but a profound ancestral legacy. The documentation takes place during the official Leva opening season, a sacred period that merges animistic traditions with Christian beliefs, marking the ceremonial start of the hunt. Through evocative photography and narratives, I capture the perilous hunts conducted from handcrafted wooden boats called paledang, where the lamafa—the lead harpooner—leaps onto massive sperm whales armed with nothing but a bamboo harpoon, exemplifying unparalleled bravery and skill. The imagery also portrays the communal efforts involved in processing the catch, highlighting a deep-rooted respect for the ocean and its creatures. By documenting these practices, I aim to shed light on how the Lamalerans uphold their ancestral traditions despite external pressures and modern challenges, ensuring that this unique cultural heritage continues to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Love beyond Death – Toraja’s uncanny Heritage / Indonesia

In “Love beyond Death” life and death are woven into an intricate tapestry of tradition, where passing away is not an abrupt farewell but a carefully guided transition. Among the Torajan people of Indonesia’s Sulawesi region, the deceased remain deeply connected to the living, honored through elaborate rites that blend spirituality, community, and spectacle. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Rambu Solo’ ceremonies—lavish funerals that stretch over days, where water buffalo sacrifices are believed to escort the dead into the afterlife. But even after burial, the journey does not end. The Ma’nene ritual, or “The Ceremony of Cleaning Corpses,” brings ancestors back into the realm of the living, as families unearth their loved ones, redress them in fresh garments, and reaffirm their bond with those who have passed. These rites, both solemn and celebratory, reflect a worldview where death is not an end but a cyclical passage. Through this visual narrative, I aim to capture the profound reverence, communal spirit, and striking imagery of these traditions. As modern influences seep into Torajan society, their rituals stand as a powerful testament to a culture that continues to honor its ancestors in extraordinary ways.

Poy Sang Long – Princes to Novices / Thailand

In “Poy Sang Long: Princes to Novices,” tradition and devotion merge in a spectacle of color and ceremony. Among the Shan people in Myanmar and Northern Thailand, young boys embark on a transformative journey, temporarily adorned as princes before embracing the simplicity of monastic life. This story unfolds through the elaborate multi-day ordination festival, where boys dressed in dazzling silk robes and adorned with gold and floral headdresses are carried on the shoulders of male relatives—a symbolic farewell to worldly attachments. The air hums with the sound of gongs and chants as processions wind through the streets, leading to monasteries where heads are shaved, and saffron robes replace regal attire. With immersive photography and firsthand experiences, I capture the intensity of the rituals, the emotional weight for families, and the unique blend of festivity and spiritual commitment. While modernization encroaches, this tradition remains a defining moment in a young monk’s life, a vibrant testament to the resilience of Shan Buddhist culture.

Vanishing Icons – Hanoi’s Street Vendors / Vietnam

In the heart of Hanoi, two professions continue to shape the city’s identity—its street vendors and outdoor barbers. These figures, woven into the daily rhythm of the capital, embody resilience, adaptability, and a way of life that persists despite the rapid modernization of Vietnam. The street vendors, balancing baskets on their shoulders or cycling through narrow alleys, are an iconic presence. Selling everything from tropical fruits and steaming bowls of noodles to household essentials, they provide a vital service while navigating ever-changing regulations and economic challenges. Their mobile businesses are more than commerce—they are a symbol of perseverance in a city that is constantly in motion. The outdoor barbers, with their simple chairs set up against walls or under leafy canopies, offer more than just a haircut. They are part of Hanoi’s living history, where generations have trusted these skilled artisans to trim their hair, share local gossip, and maintain a sense of community. Though modern salons have become common, these barbers continue their trade, holding onto a craft that speaks to the nostalgia of old Hanoi. Through photography and immersive storytelling, this project captures the spirit of these street-side professions, shedding light on the human connections and traditions that make Hanoi’s streets so uniquely alive.

Street Ninjas: Vietnam’s Obsession for Fair Skin / Vietnam

In “Street Ninjas: Vietnam’s Obsession for Fair Skin,” I explore the cultural phenomenon in Vietnam where individuals, often referred to as “street ninjas,” cover themselves extensively to maintain fair skin. This practice reflects deep-rooted societal values and historical perspectives on beauty and status. Through a series of photographs and narratives, I aim to shed light on the lengths to which people go to protect their complexion, delving into the cultural significance and societal pressures that drive this behavior. The essay captures candid moments of daily life, illustrating how the desire for fair skin influences fashion, behavior, and social interactions in contemporary Vietnamese society.

Download a PDF with all projects from recent years here: PDF Portfolio | PDF Media Spreads

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