Intrigued by the stories behind the ink, the art of tattooing and the finished product, Gordon Ross is looking for subjects to take part in his tattoo portrait project titled Tattoo + You: A Photo Story Of Body Ink.
The project will explore the story behind the ink through a series of tattoo portraits and words.
If you’re tattooed, are interested in getting in front of Ross’s lens, have a story to share and are over the age of 18, contact Ross by e-mail to set up your free photo shoot. Sessions are being booked now and will take place over the next three months.
Everyone involved is required to sign a release and submit up to 300 words — ideally it is the story, or part of the story, behind the tattoo. A portrait of all participants will be included in a gallery exhibit and displayed online. A smaller selection of these images and stories will be made into a book.
Each participant will receive a free 1200-dpi image to use electronically and will have the opportunity to purchase the print for cost online.
The exhibit opening and book launch will take place in the late fall (the exact date will be announced later). More details about the event will be announced on Ross’s website, Facebook and Twitter in the next few months.
For more than 25 years, Ross has been photographing life in an attempt to catch the ephemeral truths that are expressed in daily life.
One of his principal genres is candid and formal portraiture shot out in the field and in the studio. His approach is to create a space where people feel free, safe and secure.
Ross loves to explore the paradox that we are all different and the same with each breath we take. The clothing of culture, environment and history informs our differences, but we all share similar needs of love and security.
Whether it is a portrait from the Sahara or an urban portrait in Buenos Aires, there is a human look that is distinctly similar and familiar to all of us.
Ross is a Comox Valley-based photographer working on Vancouver Island, across British Columbia and internationally. His photography services include commercial, editorial, portrait, sports, travel and wedding (photojournalistic style). He has been published in numerous media such as the Globe and Mail, Financial Times of London and Sports Illustrated.
Ross can be contacted by telephone at 250-338-8030 or by e-mailing info@gordonross.ca. You can also visit his website at http://gordonross.ca for more details, as well as Gordon Ross Photography on Facebook and Gordon Ross Photo on Twitter.
— Gordon Ross Photography