“The Ritual” is a selection of nine self-portraits representing three stages of a rite of passage. It’s s a very personal collection that is also a statement of closing a chapter and dawn of a new one. High contrast in the photos represents the transition from darkness to light. Smoke is picturing the spirit entering and leaving the body, constantly changing, and moving toward the unknown. All rites of passage are characterized by three distinct phases: separation, transition, and return.