Bethany - Growing up, I was always a bit of a tomboy: an under-the-radar kid with a “F– you” kind of attitude. What people didn’t always see was the real me underneath. I’ve often been judged for my outward appearance, without others taking the time to get past the exterior facade to get to know the real me. At my core, I am loving, kind, nurturing and fiercely loyal to the ones I love.
Alec - I was born in Ontario and grew up in the “disco” nightclub scene (drug-free) as a Go-Go dancer, but left when it limited my creativity and passion for singing. I am now a lay minister in the Anglican Church with a strong commitment to volunteerism.
"Duck" - I spent my whole life around water, working as a clam digger and scallop fisherman. In 2021, I made the decision to finally step away from fishing. Many people urged me to return, but I held firm and stayed true to myself. For the first time in over 40 years, I said no. For a week, the crew visited me each day, trying to convince me to come back, and each time I refused. One week later, that same boat and crew were lost at sea, with no survivors.
Darcy - I grew up in a poor, abusive, single-parent household. After escaping a groomer, I was pulled into a world of drugs, partying and eventually prostitution. In my twenties, I moved to a big city only to find myself in another deeply abusive relationship that would come down to my life or his. So, I fought back, and the consequences led to 13 months in jail. That time marked a turning point. I made the decision to rebuild my life and become the person I had always wanted to be. Today, I stand tall, proud of my Indigenous heritage, a survivor of profound hardship and someone who is not just surviving, but thriving.
Adian - I come from a very hardworking, grounded family. I had to flee my homeland for political reasons, an experience that shaped my outlook on life. I am a keen sports enthusiast, encourager and political activist with a passion to see positive change. Be kind to everyone and enjoy your life.
Tee - I was the child of teenage parents, and although life wasn’t easy, we always made the best of it. When I was 10, my parents had twins, and I was forced to grow up quickly; it’s no surprise that by 18, I too became a parent. There were many things people said I wouldn’t accomplish, including college and travel. But today, at 36, I am married with three wonderful children, have a career I love, have travelled to more than 15 countries and am always taking courses to further my education in my spare time. I am adaptable, resilient, loyal, a free spirit and extremely fierce!
Roger - As a child I was always immersed in nature: catching frogs, salamanders and bugs was my happy place. I spent a lot of time alone, but I was happy. Things changed in my teens. Because I thought differently than the other kids, I was badly bullied. By junior high, things really started to fall apart. My hopes and dreams stopped making sense, and I struggled with depression, anxiety and negative thoughts. I was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Today I’m a survivor. I may not have the things others find easy to get—a house, a job, a car, or a motorcycle—but I am proud that I made it through. I get by, and I know that it is possible to become a better person. I still struggle, but music, especially the blues, keeps me going. For that, and for my family, I am deeply grateful.
Albert - When I finished school, I was sent to college to become an economist… but I hated it. I followed my instincts and went to art school instead, where I became a bold and eccentric artist. I’ve always pushed against the grain. Now facing health challenges, including the loss of a leg, I continue to carry that same spirit of resilience and defiance.
Marjorie - I was always an athletic, energetic child with no real aspirations to pursue sports, but when given the chance to compete, I was all in. Without fanfare, I excelled and went on to become a Commonwealth Games track-and-field silver medallist and represented my country at the highest levels—including the Olympics. Today, however, I want to be known for supporting Indigenous youth, helping them succeed and win in whatever path they choose for themselves.
Amber - She moves forward like the sea: steady, certain and without asking permission. Nothing is softened or dressed up; only what is real, carried plainly and without apology. She sheds what tried to define her and keeps only what holds. Not delicate. Not hidden.
Courtney - I am 28 and a proud mother of three. Born and raised in Yarmouth, I have a deep passion for photography and the arts. My Christian faith is an important part of my life and guides me in how I live and care for others. My tattoos are an expression of my personality and are a reminder that even difficult experiences can be transformed into something good.
Melanie - As far back as my earliest memories, there has been a deep sadness within me that only some can truly understand. In this picture, I can see those scars inside me coming through to the surface; scars shaped by racial, physical, financial, mental, emotional and sexual abuse.
Patricia - Proudly born to African-Canadian parents with Indigenous grandparents, my heritage is a deeply important part of who I am. As one of 10 kids, I grew up on a dirt road just outside of town with no power. We ate rabbit, porcupine, pig and whatever we could get to get by. My childhood was a happy one. I loved school, especially reading. I wasn’t even that bad at spelling bees! Today, I’m an outgoing, caring and hardworking person who loves life. I’m good!
Bill H. - I am one of 25 siblings in a large family, and I’m a Nova Scotian through and through. I love dogs and all animals, and I’ve always had a strong desire to help people. I left school at 15 and went to work as a woodsman. Later in life, I started my own landscaping business, which I continue to run today despite ongoing health challenges. I treat everyone with the same level of respect, no matter who they are.
Bill F. - I was born and raised in Yarmouth and one of seven kids. I am a child of God and have spent over 53 years as a fisherman. I once faced a 13- metre wave in 177 km/h winds, but without a doubt, the hardest thing I’ve ever endured was losing my wife in 2016. It broke my heart.
Name unknown - I love to skate and I love my girlfriend. What else does a guy need? Life feels pretty good when it’s that simple. Mike took a massive risk taking this shot; I almost killed him!
Name unknown - I used to come to this coffee shop with my wife for many, many years. It was our place and our time together where we shared so many moments. She is gone now, and I’m alone. I miss her so very much.
Richard - I was born with a very rare blood condition and stand 4’4” tall. I was one of five children; my father was a fisherman, and my mother died when I was two. Growing up was difficult as I was different, and other children called me stupid because they didn’t understand me. I found joy in singing and playing guitar. I am very friendly, and I help whoever I can, whenever I can. Doctors once told my father I wouldn’t live past 40. I am now 94 years old and I have outlived all of my family members.
Ron - I was born into an immigrant family in Canada, where my parents struggled to find their footing. Various jobs paid the bills but offered little sense of stability or belonging, making it difficult for them to integrate; this led to deep depression and homesickness for their native Portugal. My brother got caught up in drugs, and by 14, I had begun to withdraw, later diagnosed with depression, anxiety and schizophrenia. I lost my brother to cancer at 47, and my parents soon after, which left me with a great hole in my life. My sister has been a constant source of support, but it is my Lord and Saviour who has been my rock.
Jeanie - I was born in 1925 in Wyoming, USA. I’ve been an artist, a jeweller and a collector of fine antiques. As the wife of a colonel in the U.S. Air Force, we travelled often. I moved to Nova Scotia and fell in love with the environment. I couldn’t resist the call to go fishing. People told me to “get back where I belong” in the house, that fishing wasn’t for women. I bought my own boat, the Yellow Bird, and I was very successful. Later, I decided I wanted to fly; I was told women don’t fly. So, I went and got my pilot’s license and I flew. Sadly, I passed away in November 2024 at the age of 97.
Daniel - My face is etched with the joys and tribulations of a musician’s life. It reflects my journey from child prodigy to finding the freedom to express the true essence of music and the soul.
Carey - My mother used to say, “Life is unfair, and people are strange.” This was her infuriating nonanswer to everything. So from an early age, I learned that the most important thing in life is to just move on. I’ve managed to do that in nearly every part of my life except one: if I think I’ve hurt someone’s feelings, I torment myself.
Erin - My identical twin and I were born and raised in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. After graduation, I studied to become a certified makeup artist, with plans to work in the film industry. Sometimes life takes a turn, and in my case, for the better. Today, at 29, I am a mother to three “littles”. I am also a grateful believer in Jesus Christ.
Val-Marie - I was born in Halifax and grew up in Yarmouth. I found music early; I could sing like a bird, and dance became one of my strengths. As a little girl, I battled cancer, and I believe God is why I’m still here. I have a soft spot for animals and children. Music is another way I connect when I’m sad or I’m happy or sometimes just mad at the world. My hair is blue. Blue has always been my colour. When I was young, after radiotherapy, I wore blue pom-poms in my hair. I’ve always known I was different. Here in Halifax, I’ve learned to shape my look through colour and form. When I listen to music, I enter another world. My world.
Nciole - On the surface, I may come across as fierce, energetic, opinionated, strong and independent. But on the inside, I am made up of broken pieces just like everyone else. I am not as confident as you may think and struggle with selflove just as much as the next person. I am loyal, selfless, thoughtful and giving, and I pour my heart and soul into my career, people and the things I love most.
Deven - Abandoned as a newborn child and raised by my grandparents, I learned about life the hard way. At my core, I’ve always been kind and giving, but life pushed me to be hard and street smart, while the real me was screaming to get out. This photo reflects my journey to overcome my past and be seen for who I truly am.
Heather & Kayleigh - I was devastated at the age of four when my father drowned while fishing off the coast of Yarmouth. My mother did not cope well with mental health, so I was raised by my loving grandparents. Life was hard, but I found an outlet through hairdressing. I married a wonderful man and we are raising three children together. One of our biggest challenges has been caring for our severely disabled, non-verbal daughter, who has needed multiple surgeries and ongoing care. But it’s made me the person I am today, loving the simple Nova Scotian life, taking photos and being kind to others.
Natalie - My parents divorced when I was eight. I was bullied at school for being “different,” which led to an eating disorder and anorexia from the ages of 13 to 20. I’ve always loved to travel, so I did. Many times. Today, I am a well-rounded person, loyal, compassionate to others and empathetic to everyone, and I give my all to the relationships in my life.
Tawnya - My mother had me when she was 16, my father wanted an abortion, but she was resolute. With the support of grandparents and relentless effort, she gave me a happy childhood. Some might call it privilege, but I call it hard work. She worked incredibly hard. To this day we all still enjoy those strong bonds of love. I was always the “firecracker” in the family: if it was Polka Dot Day at school, I’d turn up in stripes! Staying true to my beliefs and emotions is very important to me.
Sandra - I’m passionate about giving a voice to those who can’t speak for themselves and helping others find their path. When I’m not supporting the people around me, I’m building something, whether it’s a project, an idea, or a future. Through it all, family remains at the centre of everything I do.
Annette - I should have died at birth. I was born weighing just 1 lb. 3 oz., and in fact, I died three times. I’ve lived with a disability all my life and have been gripped by seizures at times. Through it all, I love people and find joy in life, especially when I’m doing my crafts. I’ve attended a special needs school from kindergarten to this day.
Karla - From a young age, I’ve been known for my vibrant personality and vivid imagination, qualities that have become powerful tools in healing trauma and anxiety with creativity and resilience. Deeply connected to nature and music, I’m drawn to spaces that invite feeling, expression and presence. Through holistic practices like art, yoga and movement, I create opportunities to explore, release and gently move forward. I carry a wild, eccentric spirit that allows me to live authentically and wholeheartedly, finding comfort and joy in meaningful connection and shared moments.
Gay - As one of seven children, I was raised by a single parent. The struggle was real, which has made me the person I am today. I am a go-getter, but remain humble in nature, and I strive not to judge others. I advocate for minorities and do what I can to support those in need. I am a woman of strong Christian faith who stands firmly in my beliefs, even when I stand alone.
Dominique - I grew up never feeling beautiful. I was miserable and struggled deeply with mental health: depression, anxiety, feeling lost and a severe eating disorder. I was taking 30 to 40 medications a day, but nothing worked; it got so bad that I began to self-harm and ultimately wanted to die. After trying to take my life three or four times, something had to change. It did. Having my photo taken made me feel beautiful and seen, so much that it made me cry. Today, I am learning to love myself and to believe that I am good enough, that I deserve to be seen and that I have a future to look forward to.
Ayuk - I was born in Africa into a wonderful, loving and deeply supportive family. Moving abroad was a real culture shock. Leaving behind everything familiar, every sense of security, and stepping into an entirely different climate, continent and culture was incredibly challenging in every sense.
Ashley - I am an avid soccer player, and I play with true grit and determination. I always play to win, so don’t get in my way on the field. But in everyday life, I am kind and compassionate. I love having fun and spending time with my friends. (Artist’s note: this is my first ever portrait.)
Andrew - I was born and raised in Nova Scotia and studied Computer Science at Acadia University, but my true love has always been connecting with nature. Life dealt me some hard blows, and I eventually found myself homeless and living in squalor. Then I met Mike. He photographed me to draw attention to my plight. Today, for the first time in my life, I have a safe, warm place to call home. I’m forever grateful.
Lisa - I was raised on a farm as a tomboy. I learned early lessons in hard work, independence and faith, which became the foundation of my upbringing. My family life was marked by significant challenges, including parental mental health struggles, abuse, cancer and long-standing fear. Despite the weight of that trauma, I’ve chosen to focus on building a successful and purposeful life in adulthood.
Paul - I hadn’t had my photo taken in over 50 years, until Mike took these. I’m Nova Scotia born and bred, one of four siblings, and I had a fairly easy life growing up. I wasn’t bullied and never struggled with substances. I’ve always lived a simple life, doing humble jobs around town, like cutting grass and clearing snow. I enjoy reading, watching movies and riding my bike. I’ve always tried to be courteous, the type of guy who shows up when asked. And I truly love my photo.
Alec - I find myself going through phases where I withdraw a bit—times when I don’t really talk to anyone or do much socially. It’s something I’ve come to recognize in myself, and I understand it’s my own issue to work through.
Paul - I was born and raised in Maine, USA. Life has not been easy for me. At a young age, I was incarcerated for murder. It’s something I’m not proud of, and I did my time. Today, I am a much better person and that part of my life is behind me. When Mike asked to take my photo, I said yes because I am proud of who I’ve become today.
Kaelynn - I was forced into the role of protector long before I was a survivor. My mind and body were molded into a shield before I could be a person. As the eldest of seven, I traded my childhood for my siblings’ survival, and now every day is a battle to believe I deserve a future as bright as the one I fought to give them.