In the summer of 1975, photographer Alexander Hayes was visiting his close friend’s family when, on a sudden impulse, he asked the family’s three daughters—identical triplets—to pose for a birthday photograph. The result was a striking black-and-white image of the three girls, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with their arms linked. Their serene expressions, identical features, and calm, relaxed posture created a timeless portrait that not only captured the innocence of childhood but also the unspoken bond between them.
A year later, during another birthday celebration, Hayes decided to recreate the moment. He asked the triplets to stand in the same way as they had before. After seeing the photograph, Hayes proposed an idea: what if they took the same picture every year? The triplets, intrigued by the concept, eagerly agreed, and so began an annual tradition that would span decades, becoming one of Hayes’ most personal and enduring projects.
Imagine the significance of having such a personal archive—a tangible, year-by-year chronicle of growing up with your siblings, set against the backdrop of time passing. Over the years, these photographs would offer a rare visual record of their lives, capturing not just their physical changes but also the evolving connection between them. This annual series would become a poignant reflection of their shared history.