Growing up with a mother who had schizophrenia, Max Alexander had first-hand experience as a young carer. “It gave me the resources to empathize, to be responsive to people,” he says. “This has been hugely important for my photography.”
Years later, Alexander has captured images of young caregivers around the world for his photo exhibit Hidden. In Canada, he partnered with Hospice Toronto’s Young Carers Program to photograph youth in the city who are helping to look after their family members with chronic illnesses, disabilities, addictions or other challenges.
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Alexander understands that the young carers’ circumstances can be difficult, but he also sees their strength and resilience, which he tries to demonstrate in his photos. “Hear their story, listen to what they have to say, show respect,” he says of his subjects. “And support them in any way you can.”
*The photographer uses first names only to protect his subjects’ privacy.
This photo essay first appeared in Broadview’s January/February 2021 issue.
Max Alexander is a photographer based in London and Madrid.
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