1 (Ace): Luxury and Solitude
The number 1, or Ace, represents both luxury and solitude, symbolizing a state of independence, self-sufficiency, and the refinement of one's personal desires. In this photograph, a woman is encased in glass, surrounded by an aura of opulence—gold, designer shoes, handbags, and accessories. The glass symbolizes isolation, creating a barrier between the subject and the world outside, suggesting both her personal luxury and the solitude that often accompanies it.

The scene reflects the tension between material wealth and emotional solitude, examining the duality of excess and isolation. While surrounded by symbols of luxury and success, the woman remains distanced, encapsulated in her own world. This image invites viewers to contemplate the idea of luxury not just as a physical state, but as an emotional experience—where external abundance can sometimes come at the cost of internal fulfillment. Through this photograph, the Ace challenges the notion that wealth and possessions automatically equate to emotional satisfaction, highlighting the solitude that can accompany the pursuit of luxury.

2: Spiritual Imbalance
The number 2 in the Card Series represents duality and spiritual imbalance, capturing the dynamic tension between opposing forces within our spiritual lives. The photograph, titled I Found My Desire Quenched in Religion, traces a personal journey of reconciling faith and internal longing. Initially, religion served as a refuge, much like how people may turn to intimacy or sex when feeling vulnerable—seeking solace and comfort in something familiar. However, over time, my perspective shifted. What was once a source of consolation transformed into a space for deeper reflection, evolving into a more nuanced relationship with spirituality.

This image embodies the spiritual complexity associated with the number 2, exploring the constant tug-of-war between light and darkness, belief and doubt, solace and yearning. It represents the inner conflict of how spirituality can offer both comfort and challenge, reflecting the spiritual duality we often experience. Through this lens, the photograph invites viewers to reflect on the contradictions of faith and desire, offering a contemplative look at the ongoing search for fulfillment and understanding. As with all relationships, the journey of spirituality is ever-changing, constantly shifting between opposing forces.

3: Creativity
The number 3 represents creativity, expression, and artistic creation. This photograph captures an art teacher in the midst of painting directly on the lens of the camera, blurring the boundaries between artist, medium, and audience. The act of painting the lens signifies the breaking of traditional artistic conventions and invites a deeper, more immersive connection between the creator and the viewer. The vibrant brushstrokes that stretch across the lens challenge the viewer's perspective, blurring the lines between the artwork and the world it exists in, symbolizing the limitless nature of creativity. In this image, the teacher embodies the role of the guide, teaching not only the act of painting but also the philosophy of creativity itself—where the process and the message are as important as the final product.

4: The Elements
The number 4 represents the four classical elements: earth, water, fire, and air. In this photograph, all four elements are captured in a single moment. A woman sits in her garden, holding a bouquet set on fire, symbolizing the element of fire. Above her, water is poured from an unseen source, with individual droplets falling gracefully, embodying the element of water. The motion in the photograph suggests the presence of wind, or the air element. The woman’s surroundings, grounded in the earth of her garden, complete the scene and reflect the elements’ interconnectedness. Through this image, the viewer is invited to contemplate the power and balance of nature's forces—each element playing a vital role in the ever-turning cycle of life and destruction.

5: Family
The number 5 represents family, and in this photograph, we see the diverse dynamics of sibling relationships and the nurturing presence of a mother. The composition plays off the vintage gothic aesthetic of old holiday photos, reminiscent of Christmas portraits with Santa, but with a darker, more contemporary twist. The family members are captured in a moment of togetherness, evoking the traditional values of unity and bond, but with a sense of mystery and individuality. The atmosphere, while slightly eerie, highlights the complexity of familial love, showing that family is not always just about warmth, but also the different layers of identity, personality, and shared history that define these relationships. The subtle gothic undertones in the image add a depth to the concept of family, illustrating that our connections with loved ones are multifaceted, sometimes dark, but always rooted in a deep, unspoken understanding. This photograph serves as a poignant reminder that family is both a source of support and complexity, and that its power lies in its ability to evolve while still holding onto its fundamental roots.

6: Nurture
The number 6 represents nurture, care, and the gentle power of love. In this image, a couple shares an intimate kiss, encapsulating the depth of connection and affection that fosters growth and warmth. The tender moment speaks to the nurturing energy that bonds individuals, where love is not just an emotion, but a sustaining force that nurtures the soul. The soft lighting and close proximity of the couple emphasize a sense of comfort, protection, and safety—elements that are essential for both emotional and physical growth. Their connection is a visual manifestation of how love and care create a foundation for well-being, offering solace in a world that often requires support and understanding. Through this photograph, the idea of nurturing is not just a tender moment between two people but a reminder that love in its purest form is the ultimate force that heals, comforts, and sustains us.

7: Luck, Self-Love, and Opulence
The number 7 embodies the intersection of fortune, self-love, and opulence, capturing the essence of divine favor and personal empowerment. In this image, a figure stands confidently surrounded by lush textures and symbols of luxury—deep hues, rich fabrics, and radiant light. The composition is opulent, a visual representation of a life embraced with abundance and self-worth. The subject’s posture, poised and serene, reflects a deep connection to self-love and confidence, as if they are basking in the recognition of their own value and the universe’s bounty. The background, blurred, evokes an aura of extravagance and refinement, mirroring the inner glow that comes from embracing one’s worth. This photograph highlights the transformative power of self-love, where confidence becomes a magnet for positivity, success, and prosperity, making the wearer of that self-love not just lucky, but deserving of all the wealth and joy life has to offer.

8: Throne
The number 8 in this piece represents the eight angels said to have carried Allah to His throne, symbolizing divine support, protection, and power. In this image, a girl stretches out on a bed dressed in all white, her arms extending outward in a fluid, almost ethereal motion. The arms sprouting around her evoke the imagery of angelic wings, embodying both the strength and grace of these celestial beings. The white attire represents purity and spiritual elevation, while her posture reflects a connection to higher realms and divine purpose. The image speaks to the power of surrender and the harmonious balance between vulnerability and strength. It’s as if the girl, in her peaceful repose, is being uplifted by unseen forces, echoing the belief that true power lies not in control but in divine guidance and trust in the larger spiritual flow.

9: Growth and Evolution
This photograph captures the essence of transformation and rebirth, symbolized through the life cycle of plants. A vibrant bloom emerges from the soil, representing the continual process of growth, evolution, and the potential to reach one’s fullest form. The phrase “Can we grow to the good part” speaks to the hope and aspiration embedded in every living being’s journey, echoing the possibility of blooming into something beautiful after facing adversity. Just as a plant must endure seasons of change before it can flourish, this image invites reflection on our own personal growth, resilience, and the potential for rebirth in every stage of life.

10: The Scale of the Universe
In this image, a young woman floats alone on a paddle board, adrift in the endless expanse of the ocean. The vast, open water stretches beyond her, highlighting the insignificance of her solitary figure in comparison to the immensity of the natural world around her. This scene speaks to the broader existential theme of the universe’s vastness, mirroring how our lives and existence are but fleeting moments in the grand, uncharted cosmos. The serene yet overwhelming scale of the ocean serves as a metaphor for the boundless unknowns of the universe, prompting reflection on our place within it.

2024

2023

2024

2023

2024

2024

2023

2023

2022

2022

Photography, creative direction, editing, production and graphic design by Ali Truman.

Dog Days is an experimental photo series created by Ali Truman for Family First Magazine that reimagines the Baltimore summer through the eyes of a dog. Inspired by the way dogs perceive the world—low to the ground, with a wide-angle perspective and a muted color palette—the series offers a unique exploration of the city’s textures, atmosphere, and fleeting moments. By adopting this perspective, Dog Days captures the essence of long, sweltering summer days in Baltimore, blending nostalgia with the raw, unfiltered beauty of everyday life. Through its unconventional framing and subdued tones, the series invites viewers to experience the world in a different way, offering a meditative and intimate look at the interplay between environment, time, and perception.

Photography, art direction, graphic design, and production by Ali Truman.

Photography, art direction, editing, graphic design, styling, and production by Ali Truman

Photography, creative direction and graphic design by Ali Truman.

Photography, creative direction, location scouting, set design, editing, production, and graphic design by Ali Truman.

Photography, creative direction, styling, production, and graphic design by Ali Truman.

Photography, creative direction, ligthing, location scouting, set design, and graphic design by Ali Truman.

Issue #7 Interview with Cassidy English. 

Photography, creative direction, set design, production, graphing design, editing, and interview by Ali Truman.

Issue #6 Interview with Kotic Couture.

Photography, set design, production, creative direction, editing, graphic design, and styling by Ali Truman.

Photography, creative direction, styling, production, set design, and graphic design by Ali Truman.

Set Design, BTS & Creative Direction by Ali Truman.

2021

2021

Film photo, digitally edited, and drawn over by Ali Truman.

2021

2020

2021

2022

2021

2022

2022

2021