I’m Mike Ritter, a Boston photographer creating an American flag to ask a simple question: “Who Are We?”  The anonymity of masked ICE agents representing our government – but certainly not my values – brought to mind this question, which is the name of my current project.

Through shadow and light, anyone sitting in front of my camera can be fully anonymous, partially seen, or entirely revealed. Through color, these portraits will become elements of an American flag. Through words, we can share our American experiences – past, present, and anticipated.

When these portraits form an American flag it will be, I believe, both beautiful and disturbing. It is my intention to make our isolation from and fear of one another apparent.

Through diversity across race, age, gender, and politics of immigrants and citizens, I hope to fully represent the American population as best I can. I will not collect identifiable information on anyone who participates. If you’re interested and/or know of organizations that could help connect me with possible portrait subjects, please message me on Signal at WhoAreWe.79.  I look forward to discovering who we are with you.