Faces of the Playa is a monochrome portrait project created at Burning Man 2025. Its goal is to capture the true essence of the event by photographing participants from around the world ( lured in by an offer of cold sangria ) in a simple, studio-like setup on the playa.
Through black-and-white portraits, stripped of distraction, the project highlights the individuality, humanity, and diversity of Burners today. Some portraits are paired with a short personal reflection, with participants answering questions about what brought them to Burning Man, what the community gives them, and what the event means in 2025.
This work is designed to challenge misconceptions that Burning Man is only about drugs and sex, instead presenting it as a vibrant cultural gathering defined by radical self-expression, creativity, and global community.
The resulting series will serve as a living record of Burning Man at this moment in time both a visual archive and an artistic exploration of why this event remains so powerful, and who the people are that keep it alive.
“I’ve enjoyed being here with my mom and my husband… watching the sunrise drinking coffee” Nicole Teagul, US
“What do you like about Burning Man? Everything!” Diego Vegas, France
Diego Vegas, France
Mikhail Shiryaev, Turkey
“Tomorrow was better” Sassy Danger, US
Sassy Danger, US
“Today I’m going to get drunk again, right?!!” Isidoro Monteiro, France
“What does the burning man community give you that you can’t find elsewhere? Freedom” Susan, US
Valentin, Russia
“What’s your favorite expirience at Burning Man 2025? The sunrise at BiPolar Express” Max L, US
Anastasia Talan, US
Anastasia Talan, US
“ “Every year this is my new year. My fresh start, the feel, the place, the people ♡” Melissa Taylor, US
Moshen Ashraf, UK
Richard Irwin, US
Dalton, US
“What is Burning Man really about? Supporting our temporary community, to help everyone in the default world” Chelsea Scozz, Canada
Svitlana Zubatiy & Vladimir Shpilberg, US
“Kindness Counts” Alex Snider, US
Ivan Bajinov, US
Diliara Malikova, US
Anna Shiryaev, Turkey
Vlada Melnikova, US
Hasan, US
Vlada Melnikova and Dmitry Zaitsev, US
Sergei Che, US
Diliara Malikova, US
“What’s your favorite expirience at Burning Man 2025? Rain & Light” Larissa Bruter, US
Larissa Bruter, US
“What is Burning Man really about today? Lost its way in the crowd” Gregory Elkinbard, US
“What is Burning Man really about today? Curiosity” Igor leonov, US
“What is Burning Man really about? Belonging” Vladimir Shpilberg, US
Anna and Mikhail Shiryaev, Turkey
Svitlana Zubatiy & Vladimir Shpilberg, US
Svitlana Zubatiy, US
Svetlana Aleynikova, Russia
Participants reaction upon receiving their images half year later:
Dear Yana,
Thank you!!!!! You are a gem for making this project and for sending me the links to access my portrait.
I remember the day I stumbled upon your photo shoot set up just a couple blocks from my camp.
Huge hug and big smooch and see you in the dust this year!
Cheers!,
Sassy Danger
Hi Yana,
I just wanted to thank you so much! I think your project is beautiful and has an amazing message. I love what your doing and your set up was just right. It felt like I got to step into a blank canvas, and go! Whatever comes to mind! Lol. I got shy but I loved the feeling, and my boyfriend and I love our portrait! Thanks again!! I hope our dusty paths will cross again )'(
Take care!
Melissa Taylor
Hello!
Just wanted to reach out personally and say thank you for the gift of the playa portrait That is such a special gift and it fills me with good memories and gives me practice in letting go of the fear of being "seen." It's ok to show up as my full goofy fabulous self haha. The reminder is needed! Hope you're well!
Nicole Teague
Nicole Teague