Epilogue By Ebrahim Elmi

The Mentalist

On a bitterly cold and cloudy winter day, I crossed paths with a man possessing piercing blue eyes. As I aimed to immortalize his portrait, his gaze penetrated deep into my soul, leaving an indelible mark on my heart. Amidst the stillness, his creased face spoke volumes, a testament to the multitude of life's trials he had endured.

This photo was printed in the 35Awards international photography competition's catalog, best photos of the Year 2022.

By Ebrahim Elmi  
Edition:1/1



Epilogue Collection's Description

I am truly passionate about portrait photography. It holds a special place in my heart because it allows me to perceive life differently. For me, taking a portrait photo means capturing more than just an image; it means preserving the essence of a person's soul. The face acts as a mirror, revealing all the emotions, trials, and tribulations one has endured. It is this belief that has led me to embrace the title of a soul collector.

As a photographer, I often find myself pondering over my role in society. What is my duty? It is with great conviction that I have chosen to be the voice for those who are voiceless. The focus of my current collection centers around the marginalized individuals in our society those who have become homeless and addicted to drugs. These people, often judged solely based on their appearance, are subjected to harsh criticisms and misplaced assumptions. We all know someone, be it a friend or a relative, who has fallen victim to their own poor choices, leading to a life of despair. The pain that resonates from this issue is all too familiar.

Over the course of nearly two years, I dedicated myself to this collection, immersing myself in the lives of these individuals. What struck me the most was their undeniable kindness and their longing for consideration. All they needed was someone to listen, to lend them an ear. In my encounters with these people, their stories touched me profoundly. I discovered that behind their current circumstances, they were once living a good life, holding steady jobs. However, a specific event or an unfortunate situation had stripped them of everything they held dear.

To capture the essence of these individuals, I always carried a black background with me. Through their eyes and hands, I aimed to convey their emotions and invite viewers to feel a connection to these powerful images. What resonated with me the most was the overwhelming generosity of these individuals. Despite their own hardships, they accepted my help with great difficulty. In these moments of communication, I realized that their past lives and present struggles were much more complex than what met the eye.

Photography has given me the opportunity to shed light on the untold stories, the forgotten souls. Through my lens, I hope to evoke empathy and understanding in those who witness my work. There is a profound beauty in capturing the human condition, even amidst the darkest of circumstances. Each portrait etches a powerful narrative, reminding us all of the fragility of life and the inherent value in human connection. the portion of the income generated from this collection will be dedicated to supporting homeless humans as well.

This collection was Nominated in 35Awards International Photography competition in between 400 thousand entries as the best male portraits of the year.




License: Primary NFT holder is free to use in display privately and in groups, including virtual galleries, documentaries, and essays by the holder of the NFT, as long as the creator is credited. Provides no rights to create commercial merchandise, commercial distribution, or derivative works. Copyright remains with the creator.