Katie Turnbull, Weight (PEOPLE & PORTRAIT 2026)

A photo essay I’ve been working on that explores the emotional landscape of my 18-year-old son as he navigates the uncertainty, insecurity, and pressures accompanying the transition into adulthood. The images reflect a period of struggle, where the weight of expectations, self-doubt, and life's challenges feel overwhelming. The dark cold water of the Oven’s river, representing both the heaviness he carries and the possibility of renewal. It embodies the tension between being pulled under and finding the strength to rise again. Light becomes a metaphor for hope, resilience, and the gradual lifting of emotion. Together, these elements tell a story of vulnerability, perseverance, and the quiet promise of new beginnings.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.