Amsterdam-based photographer Darren Smith travelled across three continents to capture moments of radical self-expression and human connection at festivals, spectacles and cultural gatherings. The result is his extraordinary book, Mayflies. The book presents 122 studio portraits of people transformed into unique personas, each stripped of background to focus on the individual. From the swirling dust of the Black Rock Desert and the vogue ballrooms of Paris to comic cons, fetish and queer events, and more, the images show real people as they appear in spaces where creativity and passion are celebrated. Mayflies reveals the diversity within subcultures and the remarkable creativity that flourishes within them. More than just a collection of portraits, it is a powerful tribute to community, individuality, and the artistry of human expression. Lecturis, 208pp, 28cm x 36cm, illustrated hardcover, 2024
