What Makes You Alive

Abdullah Chakmakchi

I’m a photographer and storyteller based in Exeter, UK. I ask strangers what makes them alive, and I end up with a mini photoshoot with them. My content has reached millions of views worldwide.

The idea of photographing strangers lived in my head for years before I finally brought it to life in 2025. As soon as I took that first step, the energy of the streets took over. I quickly realised how incredibly powerful these brief human connections were. A photograph was beautiful, but the real story was in the dialogue, so I transitioned into video to capture the full, unfiltered experience.

But the actual What Makes You Alive project was born in 2026 out of a desire for deeper connection. Standard introductory chats like "What's your job?" had become incredibly boring to me. I wanted to create a space for conversations that were intentional, uplifting, and meaningful.

I wanted to give everyday people a real voice. By asking them what drives their passion, the project took on a life of its own. It has honestly become more meaningful than I ever could have predicted, both for the people in front of the lens and for me behind it.

How Did This All Start

I look for presence. That could mean an incredible, high-effort outfit that demands attention, or simply a magnetic energy that cuts through the noise of a busy street. I don't put people in boxes; I talk to all walks of life because the most meaningful stories often come from the most unexpected places.

That being said, I maintain clear boundaries. I pay close attention to gut feelings and the environment. If the energy doesn't feel right or open, I don't force it. The space between a stranger and me has to be built on mutual respect from the very first second.

When that connection clicks, my absolute favourite part of the job is giving that person an unforgettable confidence boost. Showing someone their own worth through a beautiful portrait is the real heart of What Makes You Alive.

What Do You Look For?

The ultimate goal is to take this question global. What Makes You Alive started as a local conversation, but human connection doesn't have borders. I want to scale this movement, travel to different countries, and document the voices and faces of people from entirely different cultures. The vision is to build a massive, worldwide network of shared human experiences.

Keeping this project alive and moving forward is my absolute priority because I see its real-world impact every single day. It genuinely helps people by giving them a voice, a moment of reflection, and a reminder of their own value.

On a personal level, this journey has already opened doors and brought opportunities into my life that I never could have imagined when I first started. By pushing the boundaries of what this project can achieve, I want to see just how many more lives we can touch, one stranger at a time.

Where Is This Project Heading?

Ricky Powell once said, “When you put your pants on and get out of the house, anything is possible.”