Soft Under Steel

The inspiration for this mini project began when I was delving into my own photographic archives.  

I happened across some images from a project that I undertook during my first year at university. The initial project took the form of an investigation of tattoos, and their significance in our modern society, but after I recently reviewed the work, I stumbled across these striking photographs.

All the pictures here were taken on B&W 35mm film in the studio at university during my studies, and upon further reflection, they were so eye catching and thought provoking,  that I thought it a shame to consign them to the archive without further  investigation.

The honest portrayal of these two men is something that spoke to me so profoundly. The depth of emotion in the men’s faces is somewhat belied by much of their exterior, and of what the public perception of men with tattoos is.

Indeed, the truth couldn’t be further from that first impression. Both these subjects were kind, considerate and friendly, and their personalities contained a softness that may have been overlooked if one was to just consider their outward appearance.

Society may consider these men to be thuggish or brutish, but my perception during the shoots was the exact opposite. Both these men were soft, kind and honest.

It really couldn’t be more true- Don’t judge a book by its cover!