Untitled, 2025

Fotofilm, fotopaber

“The Daycare Diary” portrays the daily lives of people with mental special needs using the example of a daycare center in Viljandi. The aim is to raise awareness through photographic creation and build a bridge between the viewer and the world of the subjects—a genuine, sincere and respectful one. For the finals I presented 20 enlarged photographs in the size of 30.5 x 40.6 cm in a specially made photo box. I consider photo box as an important milestone in the further development work – the creation of a photo book and an exhibition. At the Vinger daycare center, I meet nearly twenty individuals whose stories and personalities I get to know more closely with each visit. These encounters and stories are all entirely unique yet ordinary. Through the camera, I categorize the diverse activities of the day center, such as singing, exercising, cooking, cleaning, crafting, along with outdoor excursions and trips. Love and friendships are also very captivating for me to capture. Over time, I have learned the center’s daily rhythm and the nature of its members. However, I especially love the quiet days when nothing big seems to be happening—joking around while sitting together has given me the opportunity to get to know all the members in depth. I use different types of analog cameras to convey the varying rhythm of life and light in the center. The entire photography process has been natural: often, I step in to play UNO with the members, playing cards in one hand, camera in the other, or I find myself in the exercise circle with everyone, setting tables in the dining hall, washing floors, and cutting paper tulips. If I had to choose one favorite day of the week, it would be the day I visit the daycare center.