I Am – Paradox Identity assembles the portraits of young women in Paris’ banlieues, linked through their Muslim culture, in the age between 17 and 27. I wanted to reveal an image more true to her recognition as an independent young woman, in charge of managing her life to her standards and beliefs, being a young European woman knowing to deal with her paradox identity. Therefore I was curious to know her intimate thoughts, her perception on her identity, her culture and religion, her ambition. This dialogue established itself through our encounter, as I tried to reveal that what I saw in her as a person, her inner-strength, her beliefs, her beauty, all reflected through her gaze, her posture, her voice. Having divers backgrounds and origins, as well as having different lives and personal interests, these women have been portrayed in their intimate surroundings, captured in a gaze a far, yet so nearby and out-of-life, as if you could easily be with her in the same room, or passing her by like that in the streets. Her participation in this long-term project, was as important in the creation of the portraits hence presenting herself , so I could interpret her image naturally.