Faces_of_Emerging_Men_Matthew_Swain
FACES OF EMERGING MEN
The most dramatic transformation of a face happens during adolescence. As a portrait photographer, I was fascinated watching my nephews change from boys to men. Brows protruded forward, jaw lines sharpened, and facial hair became prominent. I felt compelled to capture their faces during this transition because I always loved photos of my father as a teen. It was a time in his life when his dreams were not yet realized and his future was full of possibilities. I wanted to create a portrait series of boys between the age of 15 to 18 that would shed light on their dreams and fears, their confidence, innocence, and humanity, while hinting at the men they would soon become. I shot these portraits the day after their 2018-2019 high school year ended. While the younger teens were still discovering their potential, my 18-year-old subjects were savoring the milestone of high school graduation, and I was fortunate to capture both the memories and hope in their faces.
