Albinism as you've never seen it

Angelina d'Auguste's series aims to show the features of people with albinism in a positive way. Photo / Angelina d'Auguste

A striking series of images featuring people with albinism has been created in the hope of showcasing their unique features in a new light.

Shot for her senior thesis, Angelina d'Auguste, a photography student at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, chose the subject of albinism after being drawn to images of an American model with the condition.

Image 1 of 12: Photo / Angelina d'Auguste

"I wanted to show their distinct, beautiful features in a positive way," she told Refinery 29 explaining she is drawn to subjects that involve "appearances and social issues" and wanted to focus on a subject that would "captivate people by showing the unseen."

The people in d'Auguste's series said while they embraced their condition, it also presented challenges.

"Many of my subjects explained to me their medical conditions, and how [albinism] affects their daily lives.

"For example, transportation can be a huge issue at times; some can't drive because of their eyesight, and others rely on public transportation and have trouble even seeing stairs."

They told her about being teased as children but also credited their condition for making them who they are today.

Photo / Angelina d'Auguste

"Being different in society becomes a cool thing when you grow up," said one of her subjects, while another told her: "Having albinism... broke me out of my shell, because I am very shy. It is a big part of who I am, and I wouldn't trade that for the world."

See more of d'Auguste's work here and on her Instagram account @Ninakillaqueen.

- nzherald.co.nz