My desire for this project grew out of a simple, yet profound, personal reflection - that 2017 was a challenging year, for myself and I know for many others, but here we are at its close...still standing, with and for one another, and arguably feeling more alive than ever before.
And so I wanted to intentionally reflect with others, looking back on the year, looking at the present, and looking ahead into 2018. I also wanted to capture these conversations with my camera, to share with you.
My hope is that you might find common ground in these stories, that you might feel less alone in some of the thoughts or experiences of the year, that you might feel hopeful when the clock strikes midnight and a new chapter begins, despite all odds. #2017portraitseries
"It was a year of transition, for sure. I got engaged to my now husband, Nick, just after the clock struck midnight on New Years! And we got married this year, twice actually, once in Toronto and again in Northern California with respective families. It was amazing in so many ways."
"When all of the DACA issues came up this year, it was devastating. Honestly, my heart broke for people I worked with and people I knew. Riots took place nearby and it felt like there was nothing I could do."
"If I could say one thing to someone who's nervous about 2018, after everything that's taken place in 2017, it would be this...just know that there will be moments in the future where you will be thankful you stuck around."
all images © 2017 joe ward