Photographer Craig Varjabedian is known for his stunning portrait series celebrating the lives and cultures of Native Americans. Varjabedian works closely with each Native American who sits for a portrait. Together, they find what works in order to tell the story of the individual’s cultural identity. By cultivating trust, Varjabedian is able to pull out beautifully expressive imagery that speaks to the deep ties each person has to their roots. His work doesn’t focus on the sitter as “exotic,” as often happens, but portrays them as an equal who is actively involved in how they are portrayed.
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