At the age of 23, I went through an accident that left me wounded at home for a long time. I felt I had to find a way to express all my afflictions and found photography as a good way to do that after seeing an ad in the newspaper. I still remember my family not really understanding why I chose that route.

The biggest lesson I learnt while studying photography was to specialize in all the aspects of the field, starting from shooting standstill objects to models in the studio. Also, using different kinds of cameras and to get familiar with the fact that everything has its process – and you have to be committed to it. After getting all of these tools, I started to use them for my own visual expression. In the end, the best way to express yourself is to photograph things that you find interesting. Sometimes, art schools don’t have the platforms to do that, so the best way to do it is to keep doing what you love sidelong to the studying program.

I had many interesting meetings with some unconventional characters – people with mental illnesses, religious people and models as well. I’m a very curious person, which allows me to get close to my subjects and make them feel comfortable enough with the situation of standing in front of the camera and be natural, with no masks on.

I shoot only analogue. I also used digital cameras when they appeared, but very soon returned to the magic of film and the uncontrollable mistakes it offers. I never liked perfection and I feel that analogue brings me the results I look for.

I grew up in Israel until the age of 10, then moved to Canada for six years, and then came back. After my military service at the age of 21, I moved to Tel Aviv and have lived there ever since, but for a short period, I went out of the city. I studied photography in Tel Aviv and lived it by shooting its life and people. Growing up here, I realized that the youth life is very different from other places in the world. I think it’s because of the army/military situation. It makes you live with deadlines and different life issues. The youth don’t really have a voice here, which is something I felt myself when growing up. That too helped me to express myself through photography when there was nothing else.

I find the duality of religiousness and free-spirited people in Israel, and especially in Tel Aviv, fascinating.

There are many subjects that I find interesting; sexuality and religion are some of the main ones – but not only –, and I think they can’t be separated. Every photographer chooses when to lift his camera and shoot. For me, it comes from an inner place of curiosity and interest.

In the last couple of years, I’ve started to become more interested in my roots as a Jewish man. Along with some inner exploration, I found myself more connected to God, faith, and self-identity. Being a photographer has helped me with the research, using the camera as an outside observer.

In this series, I wanted to show a place that serves a close group of people, take it out of its original purpose and show it to all the people who are unfamiliar with it. I like showing different situations and aspects of life.

All of the three series are related to religious youth and the search for God. Each one with their story.

I went to Uman (Ukraine) to visit Rabbi Nachman’s gravestone. He’s a big influence in the history of Jewish belief. He helped me and a lot of other people to connect to our past and roots. This experience was strong for me and I wanted to document it.

Through the years, my approach to photography has become very simple and specific. I find difference and the imperfection in humans more interesting and try to capture them without altering reality much.

My advice is that if you have something you are passionate about, don’t be afraid to leave your comfort zone and be an outsider. Use your guts and knowledge to achieve your goals. Being happy with what you do motivates you and brings the solutions for making a living. Enjoy the process.