A photographer has created a series of images exclusively featuring people with albinism, aiming to showcase the rare condition in a new light. Angelina d’Auguste was inspired after seeing photos of Shaun Ross, an American model with albinism, and delved deeper into learning about the condition, which affects one in 18,000 to 20,000 people in the US.
The series, which formed d’Auguste's senior thesis at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, was designed to highlight the models' 'distinct, beautiful features in a positive way,' she told Refinery29. 'Most people have never interacted with anyone with albinism,' she added. 'Unfortunately, it is difficult for [people with albinism] to fit in society.'
Albinism is a genetic condition marked by a lack of melanin production in hair, skin, and eyes, leading to vision impairment and differences in skin and hair colour. After deciding on her thesis subject, d’Auguste found subjects surprisingly easily. 'Once I photographed one subject, that led to another, because they would recommend me to other friends or families [with] albinism,' she said. Four of the people she photographed are related, each parent having albinism.
The photos, mostly shot in light pastel colours to complement skin tones, feature people of all ages and races in home settings. Participants spoke about daily challenges, including vision impairment that prevents some from driving. Social issues varied: one woman felt her albinism kept her from being herself, while another subject 'considers himself just a regular guy who just happens to be a little more fair-skinned.'
