JONAS
Jonas has always possessed an infectious smile and laugh that radiates pure joy- lighting up every room, a beacon of genuine happiness. Yet, capturing this bigger-than-life spirit on camera has presented one of my greatest challenges. Jonas is in constant motion, often swaying his head side to side in a rhythm all his own—a form of self-stimulation that makes every shot a test of patience and skill.
Over the years, photographing Jonas has honed my ability to work under the most demanding conditions. I do not create a makeshift studio in classrooms or ABA centers; instead, I embrace the natural spaces, adapting to the existing light and environment. Every child I photograph brings with them a unique set of quirks and needs, and Jonas is no exception. His boundless energy and distinct mannerisms require an approach that is as fluid and dynamic as he is.
My heart still sinks when I remember the fall of 2022 when Jonas came home with his awful school photos. The images were a stark contrast to the vibrant, joyful moments I have managed to capture over the years. In those traditional school photographs, he was confined by stiff protocols—still wearing his jacket and bus safety harness, his face devoid of the warmth and life that define him. The images exuded a lack of care and compassion, telling the story of a system that simply couldn’t adapt to the needs of a sensory-adverse child. Instead of reflecting his true essence, they only highlighted his limitations.
By contrast, the photos I have created with Jonas tell a completely different story—one bursting with life, radiance, and pure bliss. Whether it was in his bedroom or outdoors, I captured snapshots of his unguarded self: moments where his smile was unforced, his laughter genuine. In these images, Jonas wasn’t merely a subject posed for a camera; he was an active participant in his own story, allowed to be free, playful, and entirely himself.
At the core of my approach is the belief that if you give a child a safe environment and the freedom to shine, their inner light will not only emerge, but will illuminate every frame. Jonas’s journey from the confining rigidity of school pictures to the expressive, heartfelt images we created together is a testament to this truth. His joyful, spontaneous energy reminds us that when children are truly seen and allowed to be who they are, every moment becomes a masterpiece of life and authenticity.
Jonas was the catalyst behind The Pure Bliss Project. I knew the very moment I saw his school photos that a major overhaul needed to happen with the traditional and rigid approach, and that I possessed the unique skill set to be a huge part of the solution.
**Click on each image to see the full composition**
