Growing up with a mother who had schizophrenia, Max Alexander had first-hand experience as a young carer. “It gave me the resources to empathize, to be responsive to people,” he says. “This has been hugely important for my photography.”

Years later, Alexander has captured images of young caregivers around the world for his photo exhibit Hidden. In Canada, he partnered with Hospice Toronto’s Young Carers Program to photograph youth in the city who are helping to look after their family members with chronic illnesses, disabilities, addictions or other challenges.

View the photos in Broadview.

Image by Max Alexander: Isabella, 16, with her brother Nicky: “We like to watch movies together. He loves Toy Story, so we usually watch that. It’s our favourite thing to do together. I feel like I naturally care for people. Since I have Nicky, it’s really become a part of who I am. I want to help people.”