portraits of sobriety

Four years, four photoshoots.

What began as a graduation portrait session ended as one woman’s personal journey into and out of the world of opioid addiction. These portrait photographs of Elsa Madera chart the past four years of her life: of grief and death, love and joy.

Each session represents a step in Elsa’s journey into sobriety, and a step further into my attempt to understand the world. Each time we got together was an excuse to catch up, to heal, and to share in each other’s life paths. These conversations are some of my most cherished memories, not only as a bonding experience, but as a foundation upon which I was able to photograph each session. These photographs also chart my transition from novice photographer to professional artist.

Together we explored the harsh realities of addiction, the jubilation at overcoming prevalent odds, and our deep sense of gratitude at being given second chances. We began this project entering our adult lives with wide eyes and open hands, and have ended it in a field of wheatgrass and wildflowers - growing rapidly out of cracked earth.