The Tattoo Photography Project - How to
About the Project
The Tattoo Photography Project is an artistic endeavor that aims to capture the essence of individuals and their tattoos while also telling the stories behind them. The project involves photographing participants and their tattoos in a fine art style against a black background. This is a non-commercial project, and participants will receive a selection of retouched photos for their personal use. In return, I will have the right to use the photos online, in exhibitions, and for book projects. Tattoo artists may also receive a selection of photos for use on social media and other platforms.
The photo sessions will take place at your location, providing a comfortable environment and facilitating wardrobe changes. We will likely need around three hours for the entire process, and you are welcome to have a friend present if you wish. The photos will showcase your tattoos and may include your face, depending on the location of your tattoos. While it may be necessary to partially undress, rest assured that this is not a nude photography project and intimate areas will not be included in the photos. If you have any specific photo requests, I am happy to accommodate them.
Both digital and film photos will be taken, and I will bring studio flashes and other necessary equipment for proper lighting. A minimum space of 2m x 3m is required, and it will take approximately 20 minutes to set up and another 20 minutes to disassemble the equipment. The actual photo shoot will take around two hours.
Here is some information on how to participate in the project:
Step 1: Initial Contact
In this step, I will explain the project's specifics and gather information about your tattoos, their locations, and the tattoo artist, whose agreement is required for publishing any pictures. We will discuss this over a phone call or an online meeting. After agreeing to participate in the project, we will schedule a time for the photo shoot and interview. You will need to sign a model release outlining the permitted uses of the photos.
Step 2: Photo Session and Interview We will meet at your location, where you will sign the "Model Release" document (you can download it here). I will set up the equipment and review wardrobe options, focusing on simple black/dark grey clothing without patterns or writing. We will also address any questions regarding makeup and hair. The goal is to create powerful portraits that evoke empathy in viewers and readers of the stories.
During the session, I will conduct an interview, asking questions such as:
Why did you get the tattoo?
How did you go from idea to execution?
Have you received any reactions to your tattoo?
How do you feel about your tattoo now?
Are you planning to get more tattoos, and if so, which ones?
Etc.
At this time, also the photos will be taken. I will use film and digital cameras in parallel. This will take some time, as lights will need to be adjusted and different poses be tried.
Step 3: Photo and Interview Processing
It may take up to two weeks to process the film photos. As a token of appreciation, I will send you electronic copies of a selection of pictures for your use. Subsequently, a photo and your story will be posted on my website and possibly other social media platforms. Beside the interview text, only your first name will be published (but it is possible to use a pseudonym too).
Step 4: Exhibitions and Book Project
Upon the project's completion in one or two years, an exhibition and a photo book are planned. There may also be intermediate exhibitions during the project's progress. Please note that inclusion in the final exhibition and book is not guaranteed; the quality of the photo and the story's interest will determine the chances of being featured.
I will keep all participants informed about exhibitions and the book project. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out!
Jan Radtke j.r@janradtke.de