Strings of Strength: A powerful portrait

Strings of Strength by Dries Bentein

This powerful black-and-white close-up of Yuri speaks volumes. The intensity of his gaze, the dark tones, and the carefully chosen surroundings all contribute to the image's strength. But beyond the photograph itself, this is about Yuri—musician, cover artist, YouTuber, and sports coach. These roles define his life and drive his passion.

I know Yuri as the man who never leaves his guitar or voice behind at social gatherings. After our sports matches, we often had long drives home. These journeys and other get-togethers were always accompanied by singing together, and sometimes he even brought his guitar to play, creating an atmosphere only he could conjure.

Despite having little free time, Yuri draws energy from the myriad of exciting projects he’s involved in. Three years ago, he started a YouTube channel where he reacts to other artists, providing musical insights. As a videographer, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate on some of these videos, offering my perspective from a videographic standpoint. In these three years, I’ve watched him grow from a few hundred subscribers to nearly reaching the 'Silver Play Button' milestone of 100,000 subs. Yuri often tells me he still has a long way to go, but that’s what fuels his drive to consistently create content and carve out his legacy.

Our friendship has been a source of immense joy and inspiration for me. Through our shared passions and countless hours spent together, I’ve seen Yuri’s unwavering dedication and talent. This portrait is not just a powerful image but a testament to the remarkable person Yuri is and the deep bond we share.