Elisabeth
Van Aalderen was thriving in her career. After graduating from the Utrecht
School of Arts, she joined the photography department at the Fotovakschool in
Amsterdam. She then worked as a stylist and art director in the fashion
industry before deciding to follow her passion for photography full-time.
However, around eight years ago, at the age of 25, Elisabeth was diagnosed with
vitiligo, a condition that causes white patches on the skin due to a lack of
melanin. This unexpected challenge tried to slow her down.
"I
noticed small white spots appearing on my left hand," Elisabeth shared
with Bored Panda. "Within a few weeks, these tiny spots merged into a
larger one. That was the beginning. Now, vitiligo covers 60% of my skin."
Many
individuals with this skin condition experience these patches on various parts
of their bodies.
#1
Upon
receiving the diagnosis, I embarked on skin therapy endeavors: creams,
lightening therapy, adopting a gluten-free diet, a vegetarian diet, avoiding
the sun, spending more time in the sun, practicing yoga. I explored every
avenue available. But alas, none proved effective. Eventually, I discontinued
these treatments as I refused to let my life revolve around them. I couldn't
alter the fact that I have vitiligo, so I chose to accept and embrace it
instead.
The
photographer sees her vitiligo as serving a purpose. "It's the most
challenging journey of self-acceptance I've embarked upon."
#2
A
few years back, a girl approached her out of the blue and remarked, ‘I really
admire your skin color, it’s like your own special tattoo. You should be
proud.’ This encounter sparked Elisabeth's inspiration to initiate a photo
series devoted solely to individuals like herself. “While working as a
photographer, I often fielded questions about my skin from people. This got me
thinking: why not combine these two aspects—portrait photography and my skin
condition? Photography provides an excellent platform to capture and honor the
vitiligo body. It serves as a tribute to its innate beauty and individuality.”
Elisabeth
embarked on her project titled Shades of Pale with the aim of raising awareness
about vitiligo. “Despite the fact that approximately 60 million people
worldwide have vitiligo, there are still many who are unfamiliar with it,” she
elaborated. “Additionally, I seek to showcase the stories of resilient,
stunning women who celebrate their unique appearances, which, in this case, set
them apart from others. I want to capture women who wholeheartedly embrace
their skin. I aim to shift the perception of vitiligo from being seen as
‘outside the norm’. In matters of beauty, I firmly believe there are no
boundaries. Beauty encompasses a diverse spectrum, and inclusivity is
paramount. Beauty is subjective and boundless.”
#3
"I've
had the privilege of photographing women from diverse backgrounds, representing
various shapes and hues," Elisabeth shared. "Their ages span from 20
to 50 years old. For them, this experience wasn't merely a means of creative
expression; it was also profoundly therapeutic. Approximately 90% of them had
never been in front of a camera before. They bravely stepped out of their
comfort zones. It's incredibly fulfilling to know that the photoshoots
contributed to their self-assurance. For many of the women I photographed, it
was a journey of healing and self-acceptance. The vibrant social media
community has allowed me to connect with these remarkable individuals. It's
been an immensely positive journey, both for me and for those I've
portrayed."
Currently,
there are no known methods to prevent or cure the condition. Physicians
typically suggest using cosmetics and corticosteroid creams to enhance the
appearance of affected skin. Other treatments may involve re-pigmentation using
UV light therapy or lightening unaffected areas through skin grafting.
#4
#5
#6
#7
I
had the honor of photographing Marie Lenander, my third subject for the vitiligo
project. It's a privilege that she traveled to Amsterdam to participate in this
endeavor. This project is dedicated to promoting body positivity, celebrating
our individuality, and embracing the aesthetic of the vitiligo body.
It
was an extraordinary experience for me to connect intimately with someone who
shared the same challenges as myself, and indeed, as many young women worldwide
who strive to conform. But why aspire to fit in when you were born to stand
out?
#8
#9
Her
pride in her spots was truly inspiring.
#10
Padminie
Gajadhar, a woman of grace and power, graciously allowed me to photograph her.
#11
"When
your skin and coffee complement each other perfectly."
#12
#13
#14
#15
"Meeting
Anna was like finding a kindred spirit. She flew in from Budapest to be part of
the Shades of Pale series. Our vitiligo is remarkably similar, almost uncanny.
She feels like a younger, equally beautiful sister to me. Thank you, Anna, for
journeying to Amsterdam and for becoming a new friend."
#16
"Last
week, I had the privilege of photographing my fifth subject, Gaby. I feel
incredibly honored that she participated, despite feeling a bit nervous. We
discussed coping with the challenge of accepting something beyond our control.
Vitiligo may affect our skin, but it can never diminish our pride and inner greatness!
Gaby epitomizes this spirit—an absolutely incredible woman."
#17
"Emilie
looked stunning in front of my camera. I discovered her on Instagram, fully
embracing her vitiligo body, and it deeply touched me. Sharing the same
struggles and triumphs immediately fosters a strong bond. Vitiligo holds
incredible power; it sets you apart and compels you to embrace your individual
beauty. Let's celebrate that together. This project is dedicated to promoting
body positivity, celebrating our uniqueness, and embracing the aesthetic of
vitiligo."
#18
#19
"I
had the honor of photographing Natalie, the first subject of my vitiligo
project. I am grateful she traveled to Amsterdam to participate. This project
aims to promote body positivity, celebrate our uniqueness, and embrace the aesthetic
of vitiligo."
It
was particularly meaningful for me to connect intimately with someone who
shared the same challenges as I did, echoing the experiences of countless young
women worldwide striving to blend in. But why aspire to conformity when your
very essence is defined by uniqueness?
#20
What
an incredible display of strength. Anna, thank you for allowing me to capture
your essence in a photograph.
#21
Padminie
Gajadhar exudes grace and power in every way. I'm deeply thankful for the
opportunity she gave me to photograph her.
#22
It's
incredible how some encounters fill your heart with joy. Anna, who flew in from
Budapest to be part of the Shades of Pale series, is one such person. Our
vitiligo is remarkably similar, to the point of being uncanny. She feels like a
younger, beautiful sister to me. I'm grateful to Anna for traveling to
Amsterdam and for becoming a new friend.
#23
It
was a privilege to photograph Emilie, my sixth subject for the vitiligo
project. I'm deeply honored she made the journey to Amsterdam to participate.
This project is dedicated to promoting body positivity, celebrating our
individuality, and embracing the aesthetic of vitiligo.
#24
Sara,
with her love for rowing and her dedication to biology studies, graced my
project. I'm truly honored she chose to be a part of it.
#25
#26
#27
#28
I
want to begin by expressing my love for my vitiligo skin and for all the
remarkable women who have stood before my camera, celebrating their unique
spots. However, it's important to acknowledge that despite our love for our
skin, we still face struggles.
This
time of year tends to be the most challenging for me. As the weather warms up,
we tend to expose more of our skin to the outside world. While I generally feel
confident in my own skin, vitiligo can still be a life-altering condition that
disrupts your world.
#29
"The
lovely Emilie Bouchet from Paris, my personal favorite."
#30
"Gorgeous
Maria traveled from Colorado to be here. To her, vitiligo represents 'letting
go'. It's not just about bidding farewell to our melanin; it's about breaking
free from conventional beauty standards."
The
aim of this project is to shatter barriers and inspire others to embrace their
true selves. Beauty is subjective and can take on countless forms."
#31
"Gorgeous
Emilie. Vitiligo empowers you; it sets you apart and compels you to embrace
your distinct beauty. Let's revel in that. This project champions body
positivity, celebrating our individuality and embracing the aesthetic of
vitiligo."
#32
#33
#34
"Here
are more images from my second subject, Indy, in the vitiligo project. I'm grateful
she made the journey to Amsterdam to participate. This project is dedicated to
promoting body positivity, celebrating our individuality, and embracing the
beauty of vitiligo."
#35
"Yesterday,
Indy Stokje, the second participant in the vitiligo project, came to my studio
for a photoshoot. I'm honored she made the trip to Amsterdam to be a part of
this. The session was enjoyable and laid-back, and it was wonderful getting to
know her. I was impressed by her confidence."
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