Existence, İstanbul, Türkiye. Portrait photograph by Shakib Ahmed, finalist in the Shoot The Frame Portrait photography award, November 2024

Finalist Portrait · November 2024

Existence

In today's day and age, we're often caught up by what's next, whether that be the next goal, purchase or trend; we always race for more. What I love about this image is the stillness of it - the reflection and confrontation of oneself. It's about that moment to pause and ponder on the ripple of our actions in the pond of life. It's about accepting the darkest parts of ourselves and giving ourselves the chance to forgive ourselves. It's about being simply human.