native lighT PHOTO COLLABORATION

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“Photographer Craig Varjabedian is known for his stunning portrait series celebrating the lives and cultures of Native Americans. The Native Light Photo Collaboration project sees Varjabedian working with Indigenous people around New Mexico to create photographs that highlight their spirit. By working together, photographer and model have equal control and, therefore, the images avoid the exploitation that can sometimes occur in this genre of photography.

Varjabedian works closely with each Native American who sits for a portrait. Together, they find what works in order to tell the story of the individual’s cultural identity. By cultivating trust, Varjabedian is able to pull out beautifully expressive imagery that speaks to the deep ties each person has to their roots. His work doesn’t focus on the sitter as “exotic,” as often happens, but portrays them as an equal who is actively involved in how they are portrayed.”

-Jessica Stewart, My Modern Met