Not a single person shied away': how a year chronicling end-of-life stories changed one photographer
Briefly

Julian Kingma, an award-winning portrait photographer, has long been preoccupied with death, a theme that influenced his work. His journey intensified while creating a photo essay, The Power of Choice, which documented the experiences of individuals who chose voluntary assisted dying in Australia. Collaborating with those sharing intimate stories about their terminal conditions allowed Kingma to confront his own anxieties about mortality. The candid conversations with his subjects revealed the importance of creating a compassionate narrative, providing him a new perspective on death and life beyond fear.
Kingma's collaboration on The Power of Choice allowed him to confront his fear of death and provided a unique insight into the lives of those who chose assisted dying.
The experience of photographing terminally ill individuals who accessed assisted dying led Kingma to form deeper connections and challenge his own perceptions of mortality.
Kingma appreciated the candor with which his subjects shared their stories, emphasizing their control and involvement during vulnerable moments of their lives.
The journey of documenting end-of-life stories ultimately transformed Kingma's understanding and acceptance of death, relieving some of his long-held anxieties.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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