Deconstruction
Deconstruction is a personal photography project that’s been quietly crystallising over the past couple of years.
I’m interested in the moments people recognise the different traps that our (patriarchal and capitalist) society have laid for them within their own bodies and minds - and how they begin the complicated and personal work to detangle and disengage.
That could look like: a fightback against assumed sexual identity and gender expectations; turning away from careers that equate shareholder wealth generation with success; a growing understanding of the racial constructs that weaponise difference; personal expression that clashes with cishet mononormativity; and anything else that seeks to upend the unhealthy and subliminal societal messaging we might have once hoped we’d escaped.
My personal Deconstruction has been focused on gender expression and reclaiming sexuality from the childhood teachings of Catholicism - but I recognise that these lead to connections with many other unpleasant facets of British society.
I believe in messy progress and not finished articles. I believe that all deconstruction work is valid. And I believe that these stories are worth telling in a way that connects.
(I also believe in explicit safety protocols before photoshoots - see bottom of page for more info!)
As we build the society we want for our future, we must first find and unpick the hidden ‘truths’ that we’ve each internalised.
So if the idea of Deconstruction resonates with you, and you’d like to collaborate on a photo shoot to explore that process - then please complete the form below!
Please note that the wellbeing and safety of all photoshoot participants is my top priority. The following protocols are therefore in place for all of my studio shoots:
I operate out of the Camera Club studios in Kennington (details here) - there is always a club warden on site during shoots, there are private dressing rooms away from the photography area, and toilets/kitchen on-site for participant use.
I welcome chaperones/companions during the shoot, with a comfortable seating area in sight of the photography area and changing areas always available to them.
Examples of my past studio work is here - and you can contact models independently for references of their experience with me (Suki, Cyd-Kassandra, Alex).
I always have a video call with participants in advance of booking dates and times. This is so that you can meet me, we can discuss ideas and themes for the shoot, and I’ll talk you through the the necessary paperwork (for example: image ownership, model release forms etc) so that we’re all on the same page in advance of committing time to the project.
This video call is also where we can discuss any questions or concerns you might have, as well as any specific requirements you have to be able to enjoy the photoshoot. That could be related to access, atmosphere, process, or anything else that would help us produce memorable imagery to reflect your true life experience.
If you start feeling uncomfortable or unsure at any point of the process then we can immediately pause, reschedule, or stop entirely.