When Swedish photographer Johan Bävman became a father, he found there was a lack of role models that men could relate to as parents. This led him to put together a photo book, Swedish Dads, which portrays men on parental leave with their children. The book in turn led to the Swedish Dads photo exhibition, based on portraits of some of the few fathers who have chosen to stay at home with their children for at least six months.
“By showing the everyday lives of fathers on parental leave, through pictures and interviews, I’ve focused on men who’ve chosen to put bonding with their children and families before their jobs and careers. I’ve also sought to show the universally valid, loving aspect of parenthood, regardless of whether you’re a mother or father.”
Johan Bävman (b. 1982) combines his own long-term projects with freelance assignments from different clients worldwide. He has previously published the photobook Albino – In the shadow of the sun (2009). The project Swedish Dads has had a tremendous impact and has been published/shared widely all over the world. Johan Bävman has won several awards, including the World Press Photo, POY, Sony Award, NPPA, UNICEF Photo Award.
