Scar Portraits

Celebrating scars.. strengths and struggles.

“through trials and tribulations strength is found” – Faith Tilley Johnson

Ive always been inquisitive by nature, although I think my mum would call it nosy.. fascinated by differences, and scars and the many different stories behind them.

I truly believe that our scars are reminders of what we have been through, they are what remain from chapters in our lives, good or bad and are there to remind us and empower us, they show we have been strong, that we haven’t given up, that we survived.

All the people who have taken part in Scars Portraits so far have touched me in a way I didn’t think was possible, their stories, their strengths, and they all are full of positivity. I didn’t know that this project would have the effect on me that it has, and I can only imagine how they felt baring not only their scars but also their souls to me.

Leah – Omg what can I say.. they traveled over an hour for their shoot, and turned round several times on their way to my studio to go home.. they stopped at the end of the street when Leah said she couldn’t go through with it, and yet something inside her made her think.. I can do this. She entered the studio head down, minimum eye contact and lots of deep breaths, she sat whilst her husband Steve told me his story.. and when the time came for her to show me her scar, she stood in front of me vulnerable, scared and shaking like I’ve never seen any one shake before. I wanted to cry for her, she had told me that other than the hospital staff and family members only two other people had seen her scar.. this was a huge deal for Leah and I’m not going to lie I felt the pressure, I needed her to know that it was ok, I needed the image to make her feel good about herself, to make her realise just how beautiful and brave she was.. and when I received the message to tell me she loved her image and that she was going to buy her first ever bikini for her next holiday.. I cried.. my eyes are currently filled with tears as a type this, if my project touches no one else then I’m ok with that as I know it has made a difference to a least one person.

I honestly feel honoured that these people have traveled to my studio and allowed me to capture them, and their children and their vulnerability to share with the world, and although I didn’t think it possible that you could be proud of people you don’t know, I am so proud of them and the message they are sending to others, and I would like to thank them for sharing their scars.

(The full stories of each person photographed can be found next to their image, in the album on the facebook page, the video text has been shortened. )

A beautiful series of raw, uncensored and honest images that I hope have captured the strength, beauty and character of each individual.

In this ongoing project I hope to show the insecurities, vulnerability, hope, healing, inspiration, the strength after adversity, and bravery of each of my subjects.. its not based on age, race, or gender it is based on life, experiences and the daily struggles some people have to endure, or have over come.

I hope that SCAR PORTRAITS can bring awareness to many different issues.