Danielle Baker, a 30 year old newlywed from London has just celebrated her 1 year anniversary with her husband. They live in a nice house, she’s a valued employee, has a loving family, and no terrible events have befallen her. You’ll often find her laughing with friends or dancing through the park; taking in the fresh air and admiring the beautiful flowers.

This is, of course, the true Danielle, before the darkness takes over. A panic so great she feels she’d rather die. Her chest pounds, she can’t breathe or think straight, and she cries and screams for release. An intense fear that may last a few minutes or an hour and the persistent fear of another attack may last days or months after.

She suffers from panic disorder, an extreme form of anxiety which unexpectedly happens without cause. As there’s no cure, Danielle lives with it, makes the best of the good things in life, and pushes forward with dreams of travel and adventure with her family.

[About this Shoot: Danielle wanted to represent this dark force and also the hope of escape one day. I photographed a tulip, blooming and growing up from the snow of a cold, depressing winter. I did a long exposure at night with a flashlight as to represent both sides of light and shadowy darkness. Tiny lens flares litter the images as the snow flakes reflected the light. Danielle sent me a picture of her and wanted it included somehow. I placed her standing atop the stigma in the tulip.]

See Large Version of the Photo Here