21-year-old Elvin Mirzoev was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), commonly known as brittle bone syndrome.

At present Elvin works as an actor for an inclusive theater ƏSA Teatrı in Azerbaijan. The theatre consists of disabled actors.

Azerbaijan as well as many countries around the world wants to achieve breaking the stereotypes of disabled people. Not only our country, but the whole world is trying to find the solution to the problem of careless attitudes towards disabled people. Despite the difficulties since his childhood Elvin tries to fight with it and live with the aim of developing himself as an actor: “All the time when I try to do something I used to hear “you cannot do this; you won’t be able to do that.” I am sicked and tired to hear these all the time,” once Elvin told me.

I met Elvin several months ago and from the very beginning we had a very interesting conversation, we talked a lot. Probably it happened because of both of our disabilities, I don’t know.

Once I offered him to take his photos, and he agreed. He agreed. In response to his question about why I wanted to shoot his photos, I said that he has no complexes. We’ve done a lot of work together.

I have worked with disabled people for about 7 years, and during these years I’ve met a lot of different people. Elvin attracted my attention with his different features of character, which is why I wanted very much to work with him. Over time I’ve learned a lot from him, according to him, this sooting also has a positive impact on him; he has never been shot in this style, where all deformations on his body are shown; not everyone can feel himself/herself comfortable in the photo shooting like this.

The country where I used to live is very conservative. Our society is very cruel, people here can be very brutal, which makes people with disabilities embarrassed, and as a result, they become more depressed. Making social-based problems photo projects, and photo stories is very difficult in post-Soviet Azerbaijan.  Since I’m also disabled as I already mentioned, it is easier for me to focus on this kind of topic.  

At present, I work on three photo projects, which are focused on people with psychological problems, and children with Autism syndrome.

Living in a society with a specific mentality, I see and struggle every day with how it is to move on. But no matter what sort of difficulties that we face almost every day, I want to tell to all disabled people all over the world not to give up! This world is for all of us, and we also deserve to live on this planet and be free, and enjoy our life!