Abera, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

This image is part of a series entitled "The Youth of Africa"

I have been making portraits since I was eight years old. I love nothing more than to find someone who, on the outside, presents a set of perceived values, yet when one takes time to talk with them, it is found that their lives are far different than what was previously judged. I try to instill a surprising element when I create images: move the curtain away, and see what is behind it.