Can we switch roles?
This project explores the delicate intersection of stereotypes, empathy, and self-representation in the context of sex work. My initial ventures into photographing the lives of sex workers highlighted a fundamental problem: who was I to document their reality? Having never set foot in their world, my lens lacked the depth to genuinely represent their experiences. Confronted with this limitation, I sought to create a space where their voices could take the lead. Driven by my own biases, I chose to engage with the group I carried the strongest stereotypes about: prostitutes. My challenge was to dismantle those stereotypes and rediscover the human stories beneath them. To achieve this, I returned to a sex worker I had previously collaborated with and proposed a radical idea: we would switch roles. I asked her to photograph me, portraying her, from her perspective. Armed with a disposable camera, she documented my day as a "prostitute," while guiding me through her daily routines and emotions. I, in turn, followed her instructions, embodying her world. The experience was profound. As I sat in the window, embodying her role, I felt an overwhelming fear—one she immediately recognized. She later reflected, *"It was as if I saw myself 20 years ago, when I first started doing this job. I could see the fear in your eyes."* That moment broke through the stereotypes. By stepping into her shoes, I connected to her humanity in a deeply visceral way. Through her lens and guidance, I not only saw her world—I felt it. This project became a shared journey of mutual understanding and self-reflection. It taught me that photography isn't just about capturing what we see but also about creating space for others to show us their truth.