It is estimated that just 1-2 percent of people worldwide have naturally red hair, making it a truly unique trait that will become a coveted selling point that stands out in a crowd—or, in some cases, invites criticism for being odd. The world would be more accepting if unusual hair colors were viewed as expressions of individuality rather than curiosity. All people, regardless of nationality or location, share the same DNA.
Kieran Dodds, a photographer from Scotland, has been making his way across the world for the past seven years, during which time he has met a variety of people who all share one characteristic: ginger hair. However, the project is not even close to being finished. It is about connecting individuals beyond political and cultural divides, using a rare goldthread, as Kieran stated earlier.
#1 From top left: Steven McKay, Esther, Rebecca (Mother), Chloe, Lois, and Abigail, Scotland
Look, look and marvel. That’s the entire point. Dodds asks viewers to match the portraits and enjoy the variation even without an ostensibly cohesive group.
#2 Alexander Soued, Scotland, Born In 2011
Despite mostly visiting regions like Scotland and the Russian city of Perm, both considered hot spots of the ginger population, and Jamaica, with its complex genetic transmission, Kieran has uncovered unexpected discoveries in his photography project.
#3 Sveta Ni, Russia, Born In 1996
Although they couldn’t afford to travel much, their genes have spread widely throughout history (this was all self-funded). Dodds met gingers from all over the world in London, but he learned in Scotland that you don’t have-to-go very far to find a community of fellow lives. A Middle Eastern father and an Eastern European mother gave birth to two boys with Indian ancestry. He’s Scottish, but his life has broadened our understanding of what that political term may mean.
#4 Jordan DeLeon, Jamaica, Born In 2016
#5 Nixie Connelly, Scotland
A member of the Ni family, Sveta Ni, has claimed Chinese ancestry through her father. The earliest evidence of ginger in human history comes from western China, Afghanistan, and northwestern Pakistan. The mutation seems to have arrived in Jamaica with the Spanish conquistadors, French, English, and Scottish hordes that invaded the island and left their mark. Human nature seems to move in all directions over time.
#6 Photographer’s Daughters Izzy & Ada Dodds, Scotland
#7 Jamie Hallam, Scotland, Born In 2004
#8 Lucy Fleming, Scotland, Born In 2005
Kieran’s twin daughters are featured in the final portrait of his book. To make them feel more at ease around one another. Only that they belong to a worldwide extended family with an epic history.
#9 Marteka Nembhard, Jamaica, Born In 2005
#10 Photographer Kieran Dodds, Scotland, Born In 1980
#11 Maya Duncan-Smith, Dundee, Scotland
#12 Gilad Belkin, Israel, Born In 1988
#13 Pacey Young, Scotland
#14 Randy Wong, Jamaica, Born In 1988
#15 Chris McCabe, Scotland
