Meeting Sofie by Snezhana von Büdingen

"Photographer Snezhana von Büdingen, born in 1983 in Perm, Russia based in Germany, focuses on social issues and portraiture in her work. In the worldwide acclaimed series Meeting Sofie we first meet Sofie 2017, an 18-year-old girl who just finished school. 

Sofie is living with her family, astonishing antic dealers, at a secluded 16th Century farm and estate in the small village Eilenstedt, Germany. The portraits focus on Sofie's everyday life here, the highs and the lows of a teenager. First love, first heartache. Through that awkward yet beautiful and thrilling phase, many of us go through, a sort of transition from girl to woman.

Sofie was born at home on Christmas night 1998. Three weeks later during a routine doctor’s appointment her mother Barbara found out that her child, Sofie, has Down Syndrome.

With Meeting Sofie Snezhana von Büdingen wants to show the beauty and complexity of being different. Contribute to a deeper acceptance, integration and inclusion. Achieve visibility within society, let people into Sofie's life through the lens, into the very fascinating Sofie's world. Snezhana and Sofie have become dear friends. To this day they keep in touch and they keep working together."

Photos by Snezhana von Büdingen. Words by Fotografiska.