I thought that I’d share some imagery from a recent editorial shoot that appears in this month’s issue of POST Magazine – on newsstands now! Below are a collection of outtakes as well as images that did make the spread. If you are in/around the Greater Rochester Area, you can find POST at participating Wegman’s, Barnes & Noble, Hart’s Local Grocers and more.
My editor asked that I submit a short write up about my experience to be used in the Contributors Section of the magazine. After sitting down to write this entry, I realized that it was a better lead-in than what I was coming up with:
Looking back on the Tattoo Feature shoot, I recall a common thread, woven of liberation and empowerment; As if hesitation that was once buried beneath the subjects’ skin was transformed into a sense of urgency through the introduction of needle and ink. In some cases, their body art was form of therapy. Sometimes just for fun. In all cases, however, it was an attempt to remember. Much like a photographer’s work serves to recall a scenario once experienced, the tattoo draws association to the past. A past that is ever-present though not always directly in the field of view. Whatever the motivation, I applaud their courage. They wear their scars beautifully, share their stories openly and embrace the possibility that vulnerability is a component of strength.
I had scheduled an open studio session for 3 hours on a Monday night. This was to create a community atmosphere. To bring together strangers connected through this feature. …and ultimately strangers became friends. We enjoyed getting to know each other and felt grateful for the experience. Cheers to Rochester and POST – Your community is a vibrant one!
POST Magazine : This is Rochester : Mystery Ink Tattoo Feature : Photography by tomas flint
