A young model from West Africa who left everything familiar behind – his home, his culture, and his community – trying to pursue his life long dream; moving to New York for greener pasture.
Captured in places he feels like home or he made his own, from basketball courts to Chinatown, these images highlight the bravery it takes to embrace an unfamiliar world while staying true to oneself. As for me, I like to capture the beauty of diverse faces and untold stories. So when I met Terry I knew I wanted to portray his journey through my lens, because I too, I left my home country behind to come to New York on my own. I believe we find comfort in places or people that evoke a sense of familiarity within us. Perhaps that’s why, in this moment, I felt understood by someone who has taken a similar path to mine.
This is not just a story of us, but many others who dared to redefine themselves in new spaces, brought together by shared courage. Through these images we celebrate boldness, embracing change, and creating a new version of home in the unknown.
Direction, Visual Storytelling, Styling: Debora Amiliay @amiliayy
Model: Terry Tyler @terry_tyler_
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