Photographs of young Bermudians will be spread across the walls of Masterworks in June.

It is part of a project organised by the gallery’s artist-in-residence, Debra Friedman.

The photographer is hoping that residents support her efforts — she is looking for people between the ages of 12 and 20 to pose for her lens.

Their portraits will then be displayed as part of her solo exhibit at Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art.

“As subject matter I have often gravitated to photographing adolescents,” Ms Friedman said. “This will be the third time I’ve done a project featuring this particular population of teenagers.

“My interest lies in the eloquent uncertainty of teenagers. I find there is a vitality at this time of life — a time when you are as self-possessed and full of bravado as you are achingly wedded to the tyranny of cool.

“I recognise in these young people and identify with what will be a lifelong engagement of self-actualisation, and understand what a terrifying and thrilling ride that can be.”

Ms Friedman and her husband Robert live in Toronto, Canada. They have three sons, Nathan, Eli and Joseph.

Her commissions range from fashion magazine Elle Canada to Toronto Hydro.

Her portrait work is equally as impressive and includes Canada’s top hip hop producer, Kardinall Offishall, and celebrated chef Susur Lee.

Ms Friedman arrived in Bermuda in January.

“I’d never been to Bermuda before. I did research on teens, and teens everywhere are struggling with similar concerns: who am I? How do I fit in? How do I stand out?

“At the same time, everyone wants to belong and have friendships.

“What interested me when researching Bermuda was that there were a lot of kids in uniforms. When taking pictures there’s that immediate identification for the viewer — the uniform is the access point. They understand something about the person instantly.

“The uniform represents a group they’ve chosen to belong to, whether it be Girl Guides or church choirs, and their expression, their body language, their posture, are all minimal things that help you to see how they’re feeling at the time. Do they present strength, do they present confidence? I’m looking for that.”

She made teenagers her focus because they were more accessible than adults, Mrs Friedman said.

“They’re all struggling — although we do throughout life but they don’t realise that yet — but they’re accessible, a little less guarded. I remember that experience and associate with it very much.”

The people featured in her exhibit will not be named, the photographer added.

“To some degree it’s a safety thing but more so to make it more accessible. They’re sort of every teenager, someone we can all recognise [because we identify with the uniform].

“I’m photographing young people as individuals, with their best friends, as wide a scope as I can. School kids are wonderful. When you’re young like that you are really expressive and willing to be out there and show the world what you’re doing.”

Organisations or individuals interested in being part of Ms Friedman’s exhibit should contact her via e-mail at radiantphotog@gmail.com. Organisations should state their name and include a brief description of their youth component.

• Visit debrafriedman.com