“Free Bird” is a research project on Collaborative Photography that I conducted in collaboration with Damyan Gotsev, a young man from Bulgaria. By inviting the subject to actively participate in the creative process and prioritizing ethical considerations, I aim to bring a certain objectivity to the story and partially blur the commonly perceived boundaries of power in photography, typically held by photographers, who wield the power balance.

Throughout the creative process, transparency, trust, and respect are consistently emphasized. I asked Gotsev many personally oriented questions, with the permission of the subject, and always stressed the importance of comfortably bypassing any questions that made him feel uneasy. There were vulnerable moments when Gotsev cried and we went for a walk. The connection and trust between the subject and the photographer deepened over time, facilitating a smoother creative process.

The project follows the story of Damyan Gotsev, who left Bulgaria to pursue opportunities in other European countries with the hope of improving his life through higher-paying jobs. Behind him are expectations and concerns from his family. The future remains uncertain as he has yet to secure a desired job and lacks any contingency plan other than continuing to move forward.