Holding On

A community portrait exploring how we hold one another.

The Hands of Portland: Holding On grew from my ongoing series of intimate hand portraits into a collective portrait of the Portland community. Friends, partners, families, teammates, and chosen kin sat together to share their gestures and stories.

Through pop up photo studios at Overlook Historic House and the Portland Art Museum, I photographed around 100 people, both in pairs and individually. Whether they had lived here for years or only a season, each person became part of a collective portrait of Portland. Each session offered a moment to share a story, and consider what our hands express about our lives and relationships.

Using traditional 35mm film and close, attentive lighting, I photographed hands held, hands resting, and hands carrying meaningful objects. Gesture became language and touch became testimony, revealing the subtle ways connection, memory, and belonging live in the body.

In a time when disconnection feels pervasive, sitting together and holding hands becomes a small but radical act.

These photographs now come together in Holding On, a risograph book honoring the people who participated and the stories their hands carry.

Explore the Digital Book

View Holding On online to explore the rich tones and fine details of the photographs. The digital book offers another way to experience the work alongside the texture and character of the printed risograph edition.

Beyond the Book

Explore an expanded collection of photographs from Holding On, including portraits and moments beyond those selected for the printed book.

Photographic Prints

Interested in purchasing a print from Holding On?

Contact Brooke Willow for information about available photographs, sizes, and pricing.