Photographer Beth Garrabrant is left behind Taylor Swiftalbum photography from now on Folklorefollows his development as an artist over the last four years. However, Garrabrant’s final project was a monograph titled Things Shouldn’t Be This Hard (Simon & Schuster) demonstrates its mastery of telling the stories of young people across America between 2001 and 2017. His photographs are remarkable for his ability to find true beauty among scenes of adolescent normality and in a cultural moment. focused on girlhood—and when serial sexual abuser it could be elected presidentNot once but twice; Garrabrant’s portrayal of young women is particularly poignant.

This week, Vogue He talked to Garrabrant about choosing his book’s title, growing up in the Midwest, and his inspiration. Degrassi Middle School, and the long shadow of Britney Spears.

Photo: “Beth Garrabrant”

Vogue: Things Shouldn’t Be This Hard It’s such a lively and catchy title; How did you reach it?

Beth Garrabrant: The title comes from a poem of the same name by Kay Ryan. My friend BJ, who designed the book, showed me the poem that resonated with me. In this book, Ryan writes about ruts and ruts, and that a life lived must leave all these marks as evidence of existence. Life leaves worn doorknobs and footprints leading back and forth to the mailbox…the idea that every life matters and that our gutters and ruts tell the story.

What draws you to capturing young people in America through photography right now?