The title of this project is “The Fluid Self”. I aim to investigate how children and young people develop their identities while being influenced by the expectations surrounding them—family, school, culture, and society. By photographing my little brother through glasses of water, I use distortion as a visual metaphor for the way a child’s sense of self can feel unclear and constantly shifting. The refraction in the images hints at how his identity is still developing, and how outside influences can subtly alter the way he sees himself or how others see him. I want my audience to feel curiosity, tenderness, and reflection as they look at these warped portraits, and to think about the vulnerability and constant change that define childhood. My hope is that viewers will feel a sense of empathy and protection toward a young person whose inner world is still in the process of forming. To develop this idea, I will look at photographers who explore childhood, identity, and perception, especially those who use distortion, reflection, and everyday objects, such as glass, mirrors, or water, to express emotional or psychological ideas. Their work will inspire me to represent my brother’s growing identity in a meaningful and thoughtful way.