Elisabeth Van Aalderen had a lot going for her. After getting her diploma from the Utrecht School of Arts, she applied to the photography department of the Fotovakschool in Amsterdam. Since then, she has worked in the fashion industry as a stylist and art director but eventually quit her job to pursue her dreams of becoming a professional photographer. However, about 8 years ago, when she was 25, something came up that tried to slow Elisabeth down. Vitiligo. A skin condition in which a lack of melanin leads to developing white patches on the skin.
“I started to get tiny white spots on my left hand,” Elisabeth told Bored Panda. “After a few weeks, the small spots turned into one bigger spot. That’s when it all started. Today, 60% of my skin is covered in vitiligo.”
Most people who live with this skin condition have these patches on multiple areas of their bodies.
More info: elisabethva.com | Instagram
#1
“She couldn’t wear her spots with more pride. Such an inspiring woman”
Image source: elisabethva
#2
“I feel so incredibly honored to photograph Sharista and just cant get over how beautiful she is, inside and out. Such a kind soul and a fearless power woman. She inspires so many out there with”
Image source: elisabethva
#3
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#4
“Today I photographed Emely for the vitiligo project. She is such a stunning and confident Cape Verdean woman!”
Image source: elisabethva
#5
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#6
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#7
“I had the privilege to photograph my 3rd subject of the vitiligo project Marie Lenander. I feel so honored she traveled to Amsterdam to take part of this. This project is all about body positivity and to celebrate our uniqueness and embracing the vitiligo body and its esthetic.
For me it was also very special to get up close and personal with someone who had the same struggles as me, and as many young woman all over the world who are trying to fit in. Why should you even want to fit in, if you were born to be unique?”
Image source: elisabethva
#8
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#9
“She couldn’t wear her spots with more pride. Such an inspiring woman”
Image source: elisabethva
#10
“Beautiful Padminie Gajadhar such a gracious and powerful woman. I am so grateful she let me take her picture”
Image source: elisabethva
#11
“When coffee compliments your skin.”
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#12
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#13
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#14
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#15
“Sometimes you meet people who fill your hart with joy. Anna flew in from Budapest to join the shades of pale series. Our vitiligo is so similar, it’s insane. She could be my younger beautiful sister. Thanks Anna for traveling to Amsterdam and making a new friend”
Image source: elisabethva
#16
“Last week I photographed my 5th subject: Gaby. I feel so honored she took part of this, although she was a little bit nervous. We talked about how to cope with the struggle to accept something you can’t control. Vitiligo can take over our skin, but can’t take over our pride and awesomeness! That’s what’s Gaby all about: an awesome freakin’ woman”
Image source: elisabethva
#17
“Beautiful Emilie in front of my lens. I found here on Instagram, totally embracing her vitiligo body. It moved me. When you both have the same struggles and overcome the same fears, it immediately creates a bond. Vitiligo is such a powerful thing; it makes you stand out, it forces you to embrace your unique beauty. Let’s all celebrate that. —- This project is all about body positivity and to celebrate our uniqueness and embracing the vitiligo body and its esthetic”
Image source: elisabethva
#18
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#19
“I had the privilege to photograph my first subject of the vitiligo project Natalie. I feel so honored she traveled to Amsterdam to take part of this. This project is all about body positivity and to celebrate our uniqueness and embracing the vitiligo body and it’s esthetic.
For me it was also very special to get up close and personal with someone who had the same struggles as me, and as many young woman all over the world who are trying to fit in.
Why should you even want to fit in, if you were born to be unique?”
Image source: elisabethva
#20
“Such a strong woman. Thank you Anna to take your picture”
Image source: elisabethva
#21
“Beautiful Padminie Gajadhar such a gracious and powerful woman. I am so grateful she let me take her picture”
Image source: elisabethva
#22
“Sometimes you meet people who fill your hart with joy. Anna flew in from Budapest to join the shades of pale series. Our vitiligo is so similar, it’s insane. She could be my younger beautiful sister. Thanks Anna for traveling to Amsterdam and making a new friend”
Image source: elisabethva
#23
“I had the privilege to photograph my 6th subject of the vitiligo project Emilie. I feel so honored she traveled to Amsterdam to take part of this. This project is all about body positivity and to celebrate our uniqueness and embracing the vitiligo body and its esthetic”
Image source: elisabethva
#24
“Beautiful Sara. A biology student with a passion for rowing. I feel so honored she take part of this”
Image source: elisabethva
#25
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#26
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#27
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#28
“Let me start by saying I love my vitiligo skin, and love all the unique girls I had in front of my camera, celebrating their spots. But it doesn’t mean we never struggle.
For me this time of year is when I struggle the most. It is getting warmer, and we expose our skin more on the outside world. I do feel confident in my own skin, but vitiligo is often a life-changing condition that turns your world upside down.”
Image source: elisabethva
#29
“My favorite girl from Paris. Emilie Bouchet”
Image source: elisabethva
#30
“Beautiful Maria flew in, all the way from Colorado. Vitiligo to her is “letting go”. Literally we are saying goodbye to our melatonin, but in the bigger sense we are breaking free from our perception of beauty.
This project is to help break the boundaries and encourage others to be their most authentic selves. Beauty can be whatever you want it to be”
Image source: elisabethva
#31
“Beautiful Emilie. Vitiligo is such a powerful thing; it makes you stand out, it forces you to embrace your unique beauty. Let’s all celebrate that. —- This project is all about body positivity and to celebrate our uniqueness and embracing the vitiligo body and its esthetic”
Image source: elisabethva
#32
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#33
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#34
“Some more output of my second subject of the vitiligo project Indy. I feel so honored she traveled to Amsterdam to take part of this. This project is all about body positivity and to celebrate our uniqueness and embracing the vitiligo body and it’s esthetic.”
Image source: elisabethva
#35
“Yesterday the 2nd subject of the vitiligo project Indy Stokje visited me to get photographed by me. I feel so honored she traveled to Amsterdam to take part of this. It was such a fun and relaxed shoot, and it was so nice to get to know her. I was blown away by here confidence.”
Image source: elisabethva
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