stories behind

Every shot has its own story! Sometimes about a moment on the street, sometimes about the people I meet, and sometimes just about what I felt when I pressed the shutter. I regularly share some of these stories here, giving a glimpse into the moments and emotions behind my images.

REVERIE

In moments of chaos and noise, it’s important to take a step back and let ourselves dream. This is possibly what the girl is doing - finding her own peace amidst the hustle, lost in her thoughts and dreams.

Saigon, Vietnam

TALKING EYES (1)

A friend of mine – who is also a street photographer told me, that this picture is her absolute favorite. When I asked why, and mentioned that it bothers me that her eyes aren't in perfect focus, she said: "That's totally irrelevant. Because her gaze... her facial expression completely captivates you. Her eyes say so much, yet the viewer has no idea and is left with room for interpretation."

So I asked her what she would call the picture, and she said: "Talking Eyes."

Thank you, Manu!

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

GUARDIAN

This image serves as a gentle reminder of those who have guided you through life, preparing you for the path ahead. It reflects the quiet strength and steady presence of the people who have supported you, offering wisdom and encouragement along the way.

Every time you see this photograph, may it remind you of the loved ones who have walked beside you, teaching you, lifting you up, and helping you become who you are. Let it be a tribute to those who have shaped your journey and a symbol of the lasting impact they’ve had on your life.

Da Lat, Vietnam

FINDING CALM

Amidst the chaos and turbulence of life, symbolized by crashing waves and the restless sea, we hold the power to cultivate inner peace. The stormy waters represent the challenges and noise that surround us, yet they need not dictate our sense of calm.

Like the anglers patiently waiting by the water, a symbol of quiet focus and perseverance, we can find stillness even in the midst of the storm. By embracing activities that bring us peace and staying rooted in the present moment, we can anchor ourselves, even in the face of external turmoil. This serves as a gentle reminder that, no matter how loud the storm, we can always return to a place of serenity within by choosing to focus on what nourishes our spirit.

Bali, Indonesia

IN THE MOMENT

One of my absolute favorite pictures. During a break on a bench, I watched this little girl chase pigeons for minutes. Her parents sat in the background. My camera was lying - still switched on - beside me on the bench. But I had no intention of taking a photo of her. When she ran in my direction, I instinctively pressed the shutter without picking up the camera.

When I saw the image, I immediately felt warmth in my heart. A picture of unconditional joy and a perfect example of what it looks like to live IN THE MOMENT. Children have this gift before we and the world take it away from them. Since then, I’ve kept this photo as a symbol of staying in the moment. Enjoying things as they are and finding joy in what’s right in front of me. Thank you, little girl!

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

FREEDOM

Freedom is profoundly symbolized in this image, where a blurred person stands on a fragile platform facing the endless sea. It represents the courage it takes to move toward liberation. The ocean, vast and unbound, mirrors the essence of freedom, offering peace, self-discovery, and infinite possibilities.

The sandy shore, with its scattered footprints, suggests the journey we've already walked and the steps we must continue to take. Freedom invites us to live fully, to embrace life with intention, and to create stories worth telling. This image serves as a powerful reminder that freedom is not just a state of being, but a choice we make to break barriers and truly live.

Baltic Sea, Germany

BLIND NOTES

In the heart of Bangkok’s chaos, a blind musician sits with his guitar and microphone, surrounded by thousands of people and the constant noise of the city. Despite the rush and confusion around him, he is completely immersed in his music, lost in a world of sound and feeling. Watching him, I was deeply moved by how art can become a refuge - how it can lift someone above the noise and struggle of daily life. For a brief moment, he made the city disappear for both of us. Thank you to the artist, for reminding me of the quiet power of devotion and presence.

Bangkok, Thailand

SARAJEVO SILENCE

In Sarajevo, on a cold winter day, an elderly woman sat alone at the edge of a narrow street, wrapped tightly against the cold. Her quiet, thoughtful expression caught my attention, making her the focus of the otherwise empty, snow-covered street. Snow fell softly around her, muffling the sounds of the city and casting a pale, gentle light over the scene. The stillness, cold, and solitude gave the moment a poetic, almost fairy-tale feeling. There was something about her presence—subtle but powerful—that stayed with me, a quiet reminder of lives lived on the edges of the city. Seeing her there made me feel a deep sense of humility, grateful for the warmth and comfort of my own home that night.

Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina

HARD WORKING HANDS

An old, steady hand grips a pencil in a compass. The thick, weathered fingers speak of decades spent shaping stone and metal into art. As he told me about his life and the many sculptures he has created, I learned he is well known in his field - a true master of his craft. Yet it was his hands that spoke the loudest: marked by years of labor, guided by patience and passion, they carry the story of a man who has turned work into art. Seeing him and hearing his story deeply inspired me - to place my own passion at the center of what I do.

Trebinje, Bosnia & Herzegovina

LOST SOUL (2)

After a while, a group of small children on bicycles approached and warned me not to help him. At first, I didn’t understand and gently sent them away, thinking they might be mischievous. I also asked a woman sitting nearby if there was any way I could assist him, but she waved me off, clearly wanting nothing to do with him. Still, I left him some money and tried, with the help of a translation app, to understand his words — which mostly came out as garbled text. What I could make out were fragments about death, grief, and forgiveness.

Battambang, Cambodia

"Freedom"

"TALKING EYES"

Beni Jean

stories behind

Every shot has its own story! Sometimes about a moment on the street, sometimes about the people I meet, and sometimes just about what I felt when I pressed the shutter. I regularly share some of these stories here, giving a glimpse into the moments and emotions behind my images.