The first twenty years of my life I grew up with my grandmother. When I was a teenager I was struggling with being gay in a small town. This made me feel left out and sometimes lonely. In these teenage years, I started building small decors in my bedroom and began making self-portraits.

Photography became a positive escape for me and through these images, I created a world where I could be myself and where my fantasy became reality. Now, ten years later I still work this way, but instead of pointing the camera only towards myself, I choose subjects whom I think deserve this superstar treatment. In my images, I like to work with unconventional subjects and I present a beauty that is other than the ideal we all know.

For this project, I am inspired by the love and admiration I feel towards my grandmother. My muse Joyce embodies those who feel left out. That is why I am elevating her to new heights. It is an admiration for unexpected beauty and an ode to my grandmother who gave me unconditional love when I was a child.

Eternal love towards my muse Joyce
Thanks to Anita van Kennel of the Three Turnip’s, Luc of Kasteel Oud-Wassenaar, Hotel de Plataan and Jan
Styling Suuz Bisschops @ Angelique Hoorn Management
Hair and make-up Ed Tijsen @ Angelique Hoorn Management
Photography assistants Sanneke Kleingeld, Annemiek Schout en Floris Mast

This project was published on i-D Netherlands: link

© Harmen Meinsma