Words On Skin - From Labels To Self-worth

I’m creating a conceptual portrait series exploring the contrast between the negative labels people are given and the positive identity they reclaim for themselves.

The shoot tells a visual story in two stages.

Phase 1 - The Labels

The model begins wearing an oversized shirt covered in negative words such as:

weak

ugly

not enough

broken

too much

These represent the criticism, expectations and labels that people often carry.

Images in this stage will feel more restrained and introspective.

Phase 2 - Reclaiming Identity

The shirt is removed to reveal positive words written on the model’s skin - words such as:

strong

resilient

worthy

powerful

fearless

The tone of the images shifts here to confidence, strength and self-ownership.

This stage may include topless or implied nude portraits depending on the model’s comfort level, but the focus will remain tasteful, artistic and editorial rather than explicit.

Style

• Editorial portrait photography

• Clean studio lighting

• Minimal background

• Focus on emotion, expression and typography

Body Writing

All writing will be done using skin-safe body paint or makeup.

Location

The shoot will take place at River North Studios in Trowbridge, a professional photography studio.

Compensation

Ideally this will be a TFP collaboration, with models receiving professionally edited images for portfolio and social media use.

However, I am also open to paid modelling depending on experience and comfort level, particularly for models comfortable with topless or implied nude work.

If applying for paid work, please include your rates.

Requirements

• Comfortable discussing boundaries beforehand

• Open to creative collaboration

If interested,  please message with:

• Your comfort level with implied nude / topless

• Any positive words that resonate with you and you’d like included in the concept